- Erin F. Boyd-Soisson, Department of Human Development and Family Science, Messiah University
Abstract
Many colleges and universities utilize faculty advisors for academic advising. In this model, faculty advise students in their discipline on curriculum requirements, as well as career and academic goals. Faculty often report feeling that they have had little training or support for their role as an academic advisor. Faculty advisors in the field of human development and family science (HDFS), however, are uniquely positioned for academic advising as they are trained experts in many of the known factors associated with effective advising. One area closely related to advising that HDFS faculty are highly knowledgeable about is identity development and exploration. Therefore, HDFS faculty can utilize their in-depth knowledge of Erikson’s, Marcia’s, and Arnett’s theories of development to inform their role as advisors.
