What do you do if your higher education students need a strong advocate?

The higher education experience can be full of high emotions and stress. Helping students navigate this is a very important part of teaching. One thing I have found helpful is to have an online, searchable database of all relevant documents for the course I'm teaching. The HUB, as it's called, houses everything from assignment details for the semester as well as policies, the student handbook, important phone numbers, and contacts.

Strong relationships are the cornerstone of effective advocacy. By fostering empathy and practicing active listening, you can create a safe space for students to voice their concerns. Regular check-ins demonstrate your genuine interest in their well-being, and open communication allows you to gain deeper insights into their unique challenges. Imagine a student struggling financially – wouldn't it be powerful to connect them with relevant scholarship opportunities or financial aid resources? By building trust and rapport, you become a bridge between students and the support systems they need, ultimately empowering them to navigate the complexities of higher education.

As an advisor to college-bound high school students, many who are neurodiverse, it is critically important that they understand how college will be different from high school regarding the laws that protect them, the accommodations and services they may receive, and the expectations for the amount of time required to study outside of class, to name a few. Students should consider visiting services such as academic support and disability services before the semester begins. Those with disabilities should register with the accessibility office well in advance. Early in the semester, make an appointment with a librarian to learn how to access the catalog and online databases. Librarians are an excellent resource for help with research.

Effective advocacy hinges on clear communication. Articulate the student's needs and concerns to relevant parties, prioritizing confidentiality and respecting their privacy. Remember, collaboration is key to your communication, and you should use a solutions-oriented approach, assertively advocating for the student's best interests without confrontation. Maintain transparency by keeping the student informed about progress and any necessary steps. Clear communication fosters trust and accountability, paving the way for positive outcomes for both the student and the institution.

I've always encouraged students to come to me with issues, but I've always asked that they not only come with the issue, but their idea for how to solve the issue. This helps learners start thinking beyond the problem, to the resolution and gives them some agency to be part of the solution!

Empowering students to be their advocates is a gift that keeps on giving. By teaching them to articulate their needs, understand their rights, and navigate available resources, you equip them with valuable skills that will benefit them throughout their academic and professional journeys. Imagine a student struggling with a challenging course – wouldn't it be empowering to guide them on approaching the professor, advocating for additional support, or exploring alternative learning options? By fostering self-advocacy, you create a ripple effect – students become active participants in their education, develop resilience, and gain the confidence to tackle future challenges head-on.

Recognizing that no single person can possess all the necessary expertise, we emphasize the importance of seeking support from colleagues, professional networks, and advocacy groups. This ensures that students receive comprehensive assistance and promotes a community-driven approach to addressing challenges. By pooling together collective knowledge and resources, educators can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for their students, ultimately enhancing their educational experiences and opportunities for success.