Student Advisor Onboarding Checklist

Student Advisor Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Student Advisor starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Education onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Student Advisor, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Student Advisor onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Student Advisor Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to the company: The new student advisor should be provided with a comprehensive introduction to the company, including its mission, values, organizational structure, and key personnel. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated onboarding specialist.

2. Familiarization with policies and procedures: The student advisor should be given a thorough overview of the company’s policies and procedures, including those related to student advising, confidentiality, data protection, and code of conduct. This task is usually performed by the HR department or a senior advisor.

3. Training on student advising techniques: The new advisor should receive training on effective student advising techniques, including active listening, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. This training can be conducted by a senior advisor or a designated training department.

4. Introduction to student information systems: The student advisor should be familiarized with the student information systems used by the company, such as CRM software or student management platforms. This task is typically performed by the IT department or a designated system administrator.

5. Shadowing experienced advisors: To gain practical experience and learn from seasoned professionals, the new advisor should be given the opportunity to shadow experienced advisors during their interactions with students. This task is usually coordinated by the team lead or a senior advisor.

6. Understanding academic programs: The new advisor should be provided with detailed information about the academic programs offered by the institution, including course requirements, prerequisites, and graduation criteria. This task is typically performed by the academic department or a designated program coordinator.

7. Familiarization with student support services: The student advisor should be introduced to the various support services available to students, such as tutoring, counseling, career services, and disability accommodations. This task is usually coordinated by the student services department or a designated support services coordinator.

8. Learning about student assessment and evaluation: The new advisor should be trained on the assessment and evaluation processes used to measure student progress and success. This includes understanding grading systems, exam procedures, and academic integrity policies. This task is typically performed by the academic department or a designated assessment coordinator.

9. Introduction to student retention strategies: The student advisor should be educated on the institution’s student retention strategies, including proactive outreach, early intervention, and support programs aimed at improving student success and persistence. This task is usually coordinated by the student success department or a designated retention specialist.

10. Building relationships with faculty and staff: The new advisor should be encouraged to establish relationships with faculty members, academic advisors, and other staff members to foster collaboration and enhance the student advising experience. This task can be facilitated by the team lead or a designated mentor.

11. Understanding legal and ethical considerations: The student advisor should receive training on legal and ethical considerations in student advising, such as privacy laws, FERPA compliance, and ethical guidelines for handling sensitive student information. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated compliance officer.

12. Continuous professional development: The new advisor should be encouraged to engage in continuous professional development activities, such as attending conferences, workshops, and webinars related to student advising and higher education. This task can be facilitated by the HR department or the advisor’s supervisor.

13. Performance evaluation and feedback: The new advisor should undergo regular performance evaluations and receive constructive feedback to identify areas of improvement and ensure their professional growth. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or the HR department.

14. Establishing a personal advising style: The new advisor should be given the freedom to develop their own personal advising style while adhering to the company’s guidelines and best practices. This task involves self-reflection and ongoing self-improvement and is typically supported by the supervisor or a designated mentor.

15. Participating in team meetings and professional development sessions: The new advisor should actively participate in team meetings and professional development sessions to stay updated on institutional changes, share best practices, and foster a sense of camaraderie among colleagues. This task is typically coordinated by the team lead or a designated professional development coordinator

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Student Advisor checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Student Advisor up to speed and working well in your Education team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.