Successful academic counseling centers on dialogue, not monologue. According to the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), counseling works best when counselors listen without judgment and provide a safe and respectful environment for students to find ways to solve their own problems. Since students may prefer to talk with their academic counselor rather than other professionals about issues in other areas of their lives, the NACADA also stresses the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity in building relationships with students seeking help.
Modern academic counseling should take a proactive and interactive approach to working with students, which includes offering support for issues outside of school or beyond the traditional scope of academic counseling. A problem-solving model derived from learning theory suggests that counselors focus on and express appreciation for a student's strengths and past successes in various areas of life, acknowledging these successes and encouraging students to bring this awareness to their current problems.
Modern academic counseling strives to support the whole student, with attention to life situations outside the classroom. Intrusive counseling encourages academic counselors and advisers to insert themselves into a student's everyday life and activities, creating more availability and a sense of connection that goes beyond an office appointment. Since students are likely to approach the academic counselor with issues outside the classroom, this kind of availability increases trust and openness.
Drawing from learning theory and classroom strategy, academic counselors assume some aspects of a teacher's role, fostering an environment for learning, self-determination and problem solving. According to "The Mentor: An Academic Advising Journal," by working with students on goal-setting, personal accountability and time management, the academic counselor encourages independence and creates opportunities for students to learn and grow.
Today's academic counselors recognize the scope of their duties stretches far beyond class schedules and academic advising. They may find themselves dealing with personal crises, emotional challenges and issues more suited for traditional counseling. Students, however, may feel more comfortable talking about personal issues with their academic counselor. The counselor may need to refer students to other appropriate resources on campus, and to work with other school professionals to create a comprehensive plan of support.