Introduction to Guidelines for Adviser-Advisee Relations at UIUC

Department of History

The Director of Graduate Studies composed a formal document outlining the duties of the department advisers and expected behavior between a student and her specific adviser. The guidelines also describe the proper procedure for acquiring an adviser, changing an adviser, and the responsibilities of the adviser and advisee to each other.

Guidelines for Adviser-Advisee Relations

Description

The guidelines describe how department advisers (appointed by the DGS to serve the needs of incoming students): provide accurate and up-to-date information on program requirements, guide students in selecting courses, help them locate and interact with their main advisers, and provide general counsel for dealing with the various problems and concerns that arise for graduate students. The document goes on to explain main adviser responsibilities: regular meetings with students, advice about minor fields and specific courses, response to written work and communications with reasonable promptness and attention, and guidance in selecting an appropriate dissertation topic and input on the dissertation proposal. The student's specific responsibilities include: giving the adviser fair warning about deadlines for letters of recommendation or other requests, regular communication with the adviser to inform her/him of progress in the program, and communication with the adviser regarding personal problems that may impede or hinder progress.

Details

Departmental Advisers (formerly known as Academic Adviser)

Main Advisers

I. Timing for Acquiring an Adviser

II. Changing Advisers

III. Responsibilities of the Adviser

IV. Responsibilities of the Advisee

Updated April 2003

Educational Purpose

The guidelines clarify expectations between faculty and students which subsequently develops better department culture for both parties. This element takes the focus away from tinkering with requirements and instead concentrates on improving communications and transparency in the department.

Data or Evidence

Anecdotal evidence citing clarified and improved relations between faculty advisers and students will tell us these guidelines work. Quicker choice of adviser will also demonstrate the effectiveness of the element.