Many people ask what Head PAAs are looking for in each of their PAA college teams. The answer to that question varies from college to college and is also dependent on what time of year and the advising demands of that time. But, where we can find similarities, is in qualities we want our “ideal” PAA to have.
An “ideal” PAA:
- Actively develops ideas to further academic advising at the college and university level
- Sees their own role as broader than “a schedule planner” and embraces advising as mentoring on a university-wide level
- Has a general familiarity with university graduation requirements
- Takes the initiative to meet students within the college and is available to meet with them throughout the year
- Is visible, involved, and active as a member of their college
- Makes an effort to keep up with the most recent developments in academic policies and requirements
- Knows where to look for resources pertaining to all questions academic
- Consults appropriate resources when approaching a new or unfamiliar query.
- Is familiar with the resources of various campus offices including but not limited to:
- Office of Fellowships and Undergraduate Research
- Center for Career Development
- International Programs/Study Abroad
- Leadership Rice
- Is aware of university-wide advising-related events such as
- Career expo
- Study abroad fair
- Research opportunity fair
- Major Affair
- Attends campus-wide and college-specific PAA meetings
- Maintains open communication with the Head PAAs and other college PAAs about progress on assigned projects and student questions
- Participates in and helps organize college events such as
- Academic Planning Session
- I Know What You Did Last Summer
- Knows the college’s Divisional Advisors and is familiar with the divisions they each advise
- Is comfortable using and explaining online resources including
- Rice Academic Advising website
- Esther
- Course Catalog
- General Announcements
- Is familiar with the location of the Office of Academic Advising and knows what resources to find there
-Megan Johnson, Head PAA for Hanszen