The Importance of Faculty Advisors in the Life of Students
Thank you for volunteering your time. For most of you, the work is its own reward. For those of you who have not seen the results of your hard work, be assured that UIC residency placements continue to improve if students are adequately advised.
If you are not familiar with the Deans goals for an advising program, as stated on the Office of Student Affairs website, let me quickly review them:
1. Improved academic performance for students at all achievement levels
2. Improved career development; successful residency placements
3. Increased student satisfaction and participation in the life of the college
4. Strong networks of collaboration and support between students, faculty and staff
The COM Advising Program is designed to be a flexible means to serve each student’s unique needs. In the course of a journey to medical school, each student benefited from the support, encouragement, and good counsel of family, friends, teachers, family physicians and other professionals. This personal team will continue to be a valued resource during medical school, and will expand to include: COM Faculty Advisors, OSA Advisors, OSA Staff and COM graduates and classmates.
The Role of the Faculty Advisor
The contribution that Faculty Advisors make cannot be underestimated and is an essential part of medical school. You are important role models, mentors, and advocates for our students as they experience the challenges and triumphs of their medical education. College of Medicine Faculty Advisors are resources for professional role modeling and career advising to students.
Professional Development and Role Modeling
Faculty can give students valuable input into helping them prepare for their professional role as a physician. It is important that they understand the demands on the life of a physician while they are planning their life’s work. Faculty can also provide students a glimpse into their profession. They can also offer inspiration and clarification about the choice of a professional life in a discipline.
Triaging and Networking
Faculty can assist students in meeting other faculty members as well as put them in touch with other resources in the COM. Seminars, grand rounds and courses are a great way for students to meet people in their field of interest. Academic Advisors are another valuable resource.
Career guidance
Faculty can assist students in the process of self-assessment and clarification of personal goals which are essential to good career planning. Clinical faculty can play a vital role in the specifics of specialty selection, residency application, and may be a source of letters of recommendation, and referrals.
The Role of the Academic Advisor
The OSA Advisor is the front line in dealing with the student’s issues and concerns. They deal with the day-to-day issues that students face with scheduling and personal issues. They provide personal and career advising and direct students to campus resources. They help to identify the students’ strengths and weaknesses and offer advice, support and encouragement. They assist the student in understanding and clarifying policy and procedures. They assist them in strategic planning to achieve their career goals. OSA Advisors review the student’s academic progress and if they have academic challenges they refer them to an Academic Skills specialist.
FACULTY ADVISORS AND OSA ADVISORS WORKING TOGETHER
Reasons to Meet with Faculty and OSA Advisors
Faculty Advisor and the OSA Advisor work together for the benefit and support of the student while they are navigating through medical school. The responsibilities for the advisors often overlap.
· Opportunity to discuss your career interests and concerns and get feedback
· Review and support for your progress towards your academic goals
· Explore, evaluate and clarify your career goals at this point in time
· Strategic planning for competitive residencies (research required, externships)
· Personal advocacy within the University and College
· Professional advocacy: references, referrals, research opportunities, awards, scholarships, and letters of recommendation
Student Advocacy
Advisors serve as valuable resources in assisting students as they navigate the COM curriculum. They may be called upon to appear on behalf of students at COM committees; monitor academic progress; review exam results; advise on study skills/ time management; assist with remediation planning; offer advice on selecting electives; planning clerkship strategies; and pursuit of research opportunities.
Frequency of Meetings
Students are encouraged to meet with their Faculty and OSA Advisors as frequently as they wish but a minimum of three meetings each academic year is recommended.
|