Personal

The personal core competency area includes a commitment to engaging in regular evaluation and self-assessment of the advising practice to learn, grow, and improve performance.

The ability to self-manage and engage in ethical practice, develop self-awareness, and awareness of one’s biases.

The ability to develop a philosophy of advising and regularly reflect on one’s practice (UW-Madison, 2013). The ability to consider and apply multiple approaches and perspectives to advising and incorporate learning from talking with and observing others (Folsom, 2013). The ability to develop both generalist and specialist knowledge and skills as appropriate to the advising role.

The ability to seek and accept constructive feedback on practice from others (especially students) and use this to improve performance and inform on-going development. 

An understanding that advising is an interconnected and creative activity requiring the ability to contribute as both an individual and member of teams and the advising community. 

Active participation in ongoing training and professional development (UW-Madison, 2013), an orientation toward continuous learning, the ability to embrace change and incorporate new learning into practice.

An awareness that advisors can learn as much from students as students can learn from advisors (Bloom, Hutson & He, 2008).

An ability to evaluate professional strengths and performance, and create a personal professional development and career plan.

The ability to incorporate self-care strategies into one’s practice to ensure optimal performance and to seek help when needed.

Link to references cited in this section.