Academic Advising Today has published an article entitled “The Odyssey: How to Help Students Reach Their Ithaca” written by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Academic Advisor Efrosini “Effie” Hortis.
Hortis used Homer’s poem The Odyssey as a metaphor for students’ academic journey and the important role advisors play in helping them reach their desired destination. View the full article here.
“Our students are like Odysseus; they enter our offices full of dreams, interests, fears, and confusions, ready to begin their academic, personal, social, and developmental wanderings! Advisors are like the Goddess Athena; we need wisdom, knowledge, resources and authenticity to help students find the right paths during their wanderings!” Hortis wrote.
Hortis recommended that during advising appointments, an effective teaching/advising philosophy should be followed. She advocated the development of such skills and qualifications as preparation, honesty and real interactive communication.
“Advisors must pay genuine attention to each student and, through our conversations, realize the hidden meanings behind their words, a key point for the developmental advising process,” Hortis wrote. “When we pick up the clues, we can provide our advisees with the right information to enable them to think critically, learn and find the motivation to connect the pieces of the puzzle.”
Academic Advising Today, the electronic publication of NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising, is distributed quarterly to over 13,000 members worldwide.
Upon the publication of Hortis’ article, Charlie Nutt, EdD, NACADA executive director, said, “Efrosini’s contribution indicates her commitment to providing quality advising for SIUE students, as well as demonstrates her dedication to the profession of advising and the academic success of all students.”
SIUE’s Office of Academic Advising provides a collaborative, educational experience that empowers and encourages students to explore their full potential regarding academic, professional, and personal goals in a challenging and supportive environment.
Photo: SIUE Academic Advisor Efrosini “Effie” Hortis.