SIUC students are content with the state of the advisement system within the University, or at least that is the impression of the University after the extremely low turnout at the town meetings Thursday on academic advisement.

In fact, Undergraduate Student Government President Dave Vingren said he learned that is more efficient to get information from Registered Student Organizations than to rely on the general student population.

This most recent display of student apathy could have two effects. First, the University probably will not see a need to change any aspect of academic advisement because they believe the students are content.

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The other, more important effect is students now have damaged their opportunity to have the University come to them for ideas. Why should administrators bother to take the time and effort to arrange student forums if few or no students bother to attend? This could be a key factor in future consideration of student input.

There were a few colleges that did get good attendance. The College of Applied Sciences and Arts had 40 students and the College of Education had 18 in attendance. It is hoped those students did provide important input and those colleges will use that information to make improvements.

Because students did not feel the need to make suggestions for advisement improvement, the Daily Egyptian Editorial Board has determined several principles that should be standard to advisers and advisement departments throughout the University.

Advisers should be knowledgeable, both within the college and with relevant real-world experience. They should have knowledge of the courses and instructors, making sure that the course descriptions accurately describe what the students will experience and classes students choose are relevant to students’ majors or career choices.

Advisers should have a link for students to make connections for placement in the workplace. Having a way to direct students with resumes and applications will aid students and keep them from getting lost in the shuffle.

Also essential to effective advising is awareness and understanding of the changes occurring in the workplace. Such knowledge would give advisers a clear picture of what students need to learn to compete effectively for jobs.

Knowing the students should be standard for advisers. Being aware of what the student plans to do will allow advisers to help choose classes that will make those goals more attainable.

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Advisement is not a one-way street, though. Students need to assume some responsibility for their academic careers. Keeping advisement appointments and having an idea of what they want will only make the process easier. Working together with the advisers will benefit students much more than simply complaining when something goes wrong.