Building Rapport with Students

1. By Crystal Brooks

2. 
 Many students are apprehensive about continuing
their education online because they feel that they
will be all alone with no one to help them.
 A student’s relationship with their Academic
Advisor can make a difference regarding their
experience in an online university.
Why is it Important?

3. 
 Academic Planning
 Problem Resolution
 Policy Interpretation
 Leadership
 Guidance
 Motivation
 Student Advocacy
Role of an Academic
Advisor

4. 
 Availability, Responsiveness, & Reliability
 Knowledge
 Effectiveness
 Advocacy
 Caring & Concern
Five Ways to Build
Rapport with Students

5. 
Students want to know that they can count on their
advisor to be available when they need it.
Advisors should do the following:
 Make sure that you let your students know of your
available hours
 Please set expectations on when you will respond to
voicemail messages and emails.
 Make sure that you take the time to respond when
students are trying to reach you.
Availability, Responsiveness,
& Reliability

6. 
Students feel more comfortable trusting advisors who
are able to demonstrate expertise in their field.
Advisors should do the following:
 Make sure you stay abreast of any changes in the
field by continuing professional training.
 Utilize a wiki or intranet site to keep up with
standard operating procedures
 Offer workshops for students to learn more about
their academic programs.
Knowledge

7. 
Students are looking for their advisor to show that they
can be relied on to follow thru with the best solution.
Advisors should do the following:
 Make sure to follow up with students during each
phase of resolving their issue.
 Involve students on their decision-making process
Effectiveness

8. 
Students want to feel like their advisor has their best
interest in mind when advocating for them.
Advisors should do the following:
 Put yourself in the student’s place and determine
how you would want someone to handle your issue.
 Do everything in your power to help the other
person understand your student’s plight.
 Escalate to management when necessary
Advocacy

9. 
Students want to feel like they matter to their advisor.
Advisors should do the following:
 Show Empathy
 Take the time to engage in reflective listening
 Follow up with students regarding their life
experiences
 Get a good understanding of your students
educational and professional goals.
Caring & Concern

10. 
Building rapport is a great way to establish a working
relationship between advisor and student.
 It can help motivate students to achieve their academic
goals.
 It can improve student satisfaction in an online course.
 As a result, it can improve retention.
Conclusion

11. 
Ohrablo, S. (2014). Advising is more than a yes/no
business: How to establish rapport and trust with your
student. Retrieved from:
http://www.nacada.ksu.edu/Resources/Clearinghous
e/View-Articles/Advising-is-More-Than-a-YesNo-
Business--How-to-Establish-Rapport-and-Trust-with-
Your-Students.aspx
References