From the moment each student arrives on campus, a faculty advisor is there to help them along the way. Read on to learn about this cornerstone of student support at Williston.
Small Groups, Big Connections
Student advisories at Williston are groups of five to nine students who connect and talk weekly with faculty advisors about everything from course selection to current events. Twice a year, advisors host special dinners for the group. Whether they are sit-down meals in faculty homes or trips to local Easthampton favorites, these dinners are fun, stand-out moments that strengthen connections between students and their advisors.
In addition, throughout the school year, these “mini-communities” find other ways to connect and support each other, through special holiday traditions, gathering to enjoy fresh muffins baked by the advisor, and more.
Center of Support
Williston’s advising program helps to ensure that students have at least one adult who knows them well and is invested in their happiness and success at the school. Our program provides support for students, parents, teachers, and administrators while promoting school spirit and helping students build positive relationships on campus.
The Role of the Advisor
Much of the work of advisors is informal, but the formal duties of advisors include the following:
- Maintain effective communication with the student’s family
- Participate in student conduct management
- Review teacher’s interim comments and grades with advisees
- Participate in course planning for the following academic year
- Help resolve any roommate conflicts and facilitate changes
- Refer advisees to other school offices for assistance with problems of a specialized nature
- Monitor advisee’s overall program to help avoid the advisee from over-committing in nonacademic activities and to support the student’s academic and social progress
- Work with the College Advising office on a student’s college planning
In short, the advisor serves as the clearinghouse, keeping track of how the student is doing across the board in all classes and extra-curricular activities.
Questions about advisory?
Please feel free to contact the Admission Office at admission@williston.com.