Students, who develop a good working relationship with their advisor, can find this relationship serves as a support for them through and beyond their academic career at Ball State University.  Taking the time to cultivate this relationship can be well worth the student's effort.  It is recommended that students get to know their advisor, finding out what their social work experience has been and what their interests are today.  Setting an appointment early on in one's academic career to get acquainted can alert the student to how their advisor can serve as a resource.  At the same time, students should let their advisor know something about themselves and their career interests.  If an advisor is acquainted with an advisee, they may find it much easier to advocate for or assist the student.  Advisors who have to act on someone's behalf that they hardly know are often much less effective.  Students may also want to use their advisor as a reference for a job or when applying to graduate school.  If the advisor knows very little about an advisee, she/he may decline to write a reference or write a less extensive or enthusiastic one.  Lastly, keeping an advisor informed about any academic problems or difficulties assures that the advisor can be of assistance by offering support, academic advice, or by directing the student to campus and community resources.

Scheduling Appointments with Advisors

All faculty advisors maintain regular office hours.  Students can determine these hours by asking the advisor or inquiring about these hours in the social work office.  If a student needs to meet with their advisor and they are not immediately available, they can request to meet with another social work faculty member.