While problems can never totally be eliminated, they can be dramatically reduced by keeping a written record of information given to and commitments made to students by advisors. The contractual relationship implies that if a student matriculates, pays fees, maintains the required academic standard of performance, abides by institutional rules and regulations and fulfills all curricular requirements, then the institution will award the earned degree.
Students also have a role in the contractual relationship.
They are bound to abide by rules, regulations and policies established by the institution. Students should be able to rely on the accuracy of information provided them by their advisors. Advisors must exercise care in what they communicate, because the potential exists for verbal communications to be interpreted as implying promises the institution must fulfill. It is recommended that advisors keep anecdotal notes of communications and meetings with advisees. It is incumbent on faculty advisors to exercise efforts to stay abreast of institutional changes so that they in turn may accurately inform their advisees of the changes.