Advisee+Folder


 * What have you found helpful or useful in creating, using and saving an advisee folder? This can include paper comments and email, etc.

The questions asked of parents are very helpful--about strengths and goals. They should be done each year.

I put everything I have in the folder. It would be great if I also remembered to put in copies of the email exchanges, but since I am a day advisor and usually remain the student's advisor from year to year, I don't. However, for boarders who are apt to change advisors from year to year, this would be a really good idea for future advisors to get an insight into the student and the family.

The folder is key in writing the advisor letter at the end of the year. All that info can make the letter both easy to compose and meaningful. ** I am pro-virtual folder, though I understand as the transition is made it might require a supplemental paper folder. Currently, I am responsible for the deforestation of significant rain forest acreage due to the volume of email correspondence concerning my advisees that I must print out to keep their folders up to date. Additionally, this fall in the folders of my (returning student) advisees I received no letters, so did not have a good idea of who they are as young women. I learned later of the letters' existence in Thalia's office, but had no idea about this for several months, having been a new faculty member. If the folders were virtual I anticipate this would be less of a problem. (SWR)