Summarizes key findings from counseling, advisement, and intercultural communication literature that are associated with multicultural competence, including the academic and modeling role of the advisor. Offers a conceptual framework of standards for developing multicultural communication advisement competence. (Author/DB)

In preparation for the medical school admission interview, prospective students should be able to explain why they chose medicine as a profession and to relate experiences that confirm their interest, be aware of the economic/ethical atmosphere in which medicine is practiced and its challenges, display good communication skills, and convey…

Examines the growing demand for multicultural competence in college graduates, describes the course content and academic-advising activities recommended to develop it, and comments on the limits and inherent dangers of providing multicultural exposure universally. Academic advisors are urged to help students maximize their human capital by adding…

Presents an approach to calculating the costs of college education to maximize students' human capital. When considering college expenses, students often overlook the opportunity costs of income foregone while pursuing degrees. A true-cost calculation worksheet and a strategy for making true costs salient to students (projecting the number of…

In the role of career counselor, the academic advisor helps advisees define the process necessary to obtain employment and life fulfillment. Helping advisees select the courses necessary to realize their career goals is only part of that guidance. A model for career advising based on a developmental theory of career counseling is proposed.…

A North Dakota State University study found that during a required first-year seminar, students whose course instructors served as their academic advisors voluntarily attended advising sessions significantly more often than did students whose advisors were not their course teachers. Areas for further research and implications for advising programs…

A Web page provides an indispensable resource for advisees. Advisors may include content unique to the needs of their specific advisee population, and the hyperactive linkages contained on a page can lead to other important academic and job-related resources. Suggestions are offered for starting Web site development and finding advising-related…

The American College Personnel Association's "Student Learning Imperative" is a statement of principles for college personnel working outside the classroom that is designed to focus on the core mission of undergraduate education student learning and personal development. Current use of this statement around the country is reviewed, and…

Quality Function Deployment, a set of concepts and tools used in manufacturing engineering to link consumer needs with product design, can also improve academic advising systems and processes. The technique promotes structured, logical examination of students' advising needs and their relationship to advising system design, processes, methods,…

Describes a scheme for advising college students undecided about major or career choice: an active, time-limited method using students' self-descriptions instead of lists of curricula as the starting point for dialog that points students in the right direction. Outlines specific procedures and provides several case descriptions illustrating the…

Applies three factors of expectancy theory (estimations of the likelihood of success, likelihood that a behavior will result in certain outcomes, and positive or negative value placed on each outcome) to faculty academic advising. Identifies educational environments and activities conducive to use of the theory to enhance faculty motivation for…

Suggests college students preparing for medical school should be informed about how changes in the health care system, expansion of biomedical knowledge, and new technologies are affecting medical practice, medical curricula, medical school admission criteria and tests, and the shape of undergraduate preparation for medical education. Discusses…

Describes a computerized partial degree auditing system, MAPP (Monitoring Academic Progress Policy), developed at the University of Florida to monitor students' progress into appropriate majors and apply institutional policy concerning degrees. The system generates letters directing students to advisors when needed. Discusses advantages for…

A systems approach that stresses functional relationships among persons and units and examines transactions and processes provides a useful foundation for understanding, assessing, and improving academic advising. Implications of this approach in college advising for fostering system quality and meeting the institution's mission are examined. (MSE)

The student athlete presents unique challenges for academic advisors attempting to meet ethical, legal, and academic standards. This advisor must be knowledgeable about athletic regulations, academic rules, and requirements, and should understand the demands placed on student athletes. The National Collegiate Athletic Association's Proposal 48 has…