Topic from July 2006

Is it appropriate for advisers to participate in social networking Web sites, like MySpace and Facebook? Could these sites be used to enhance advising by creating adviser-advisee networks? Should advisers ever use these sites to “check up” on their advisees? Should they join their advisees in social discussions? Should advisers post their own personal photos on such Web sites? Should advisees be warned about potential issues (academic and professional) with what they post on such sites? What guidelines should students and advisers use if participating in social networking? What's your opinion?

Your Responses
If used responsibly, I think these sites can be used to the adviser's advantage. For instance, if I know I am going to meet with a student on academic probation, admittedly, I will view their Facebook profile before they arrive to their appointment. Let's say, for instance, that the student has “joined” fifteen alcohol-related groups. Facebook, many times, has provided me with springboards to conversations about what students do outside the classroom that impact their in-classroom success (or lack thereof).

I also teach a First-Year Studies class and it is amazing how often Facebook comes up as a “time waster” during time management discussions. Further, I warn students that what they put on their profiles could hinder them when applying for a job.

In full, it can be a great tool for advisers, if used wisely.

-Aaron J. Todd, University of Tennessee, July 7, 2006


Social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook can be a wonderful advising tool when used appropriately. I take a moment to “facebook” students before their appointments as it may give many “jump off” points for an advising session. Many times it is a wonderful teaching tool as students don't realize how public the information is. I've used Facebook to discuss privacy issues with students ... it is truly amazing how many students give their telephone number and address out to anyone through these Internet sites and they may not realize the dangers until it is brought to their attention. We typically have conversations about who they want viewing all their information, messages, and photos. Students tend to fail to realize how easy it is for potential employers to find things on the Internet. Besides a teaching tool, Facebook has opened a new mode of communication between advisers and advisees. I'm constantly using Facebook messaging to answer questions from advisees as it creates a comfortable mode of communication if a student doesn't necessarily want to use the phone and bother with a phone call. Overall, advisers should be aware of the image they are portraying of themselves. It is of utmost importance to maintain a professional profile. When used appropriately, Facebook and MySpace can be wonderful tools to connect with technologically advanced millennials. To be effective, an adviser must have the ability to maintain an understanding of current trends.

-Brian C. Russell, University of Tennessee, July 7, 2006


It is my professional opinion that networking Web sites such as MySpace and Facebook can be manipulated by outside sources, so that would not be a wise decision for adviser and advisee networking strategy. Employers and other outside sources can monitor activities on MySpace and Facebook; therefore, caution must be used. In addition, checking up on advisees through these Web sites may create potential biases and harm the adviser and advisee relationship because an advisee may post something harmless (e.g., their biographical information) and then someone can respond negatively or add inappropriate pictures. ALWAYS USE CAUTION!

I recommend the following: advisers and advisees should use telephone, ANGEL (providing that everyone has access to ANGEL or [other course management system]), and/or e-mail for networking in a secure manner. College meetings and student organizational meetings are another great way to network.

-Scott Kelly, Penn State Altoona, July 7, 2006


Personally, I don't think I would use Facebook or MySpace to connect with students. I see that as their space, a social setting essentially, to connect with their peers.

That being said, we need to inform students that others may not view the space in the same way. They need to understand that they should expect that future employers, graduate schools, etc. could be looking at everything they post. We can help them by raising awareness of who could be viewing their site.

-Jen Schaffer, Alverno College, July 7, 2006


It's a person's choice, just like how we choose to participate in this online journal. The point is HOW s/he uses those sites and in WHAT DIRECTION. Constructive/inspiring personal interests may be posted as well as inappropriate pictures/content. Unless there is a policy, it's up to each individual call to maintain her professional and institutional pride.

-Phong Thongratana, Ohio University, July 7, 2006


Seems like there is at least some potential for social networking sites and the presence of a professional adviser. But to me, the key would be to clearly identify as an academic adviser from XYZ College. Personally, I feel the ability to “check up” on advisees through this medium is a misuse of the technology and abuse of trust. Any checking-up means accessing communication they did NOT intend for public review, or at least did not intend for professional review. As good advisers, my sense is we should be explaining that and exploring the issue in advising sessions and our orientations. I am offended to hear that some institutions are “monitoring” these social networks in an effort to “catch” students, and to hear rumors that potential employers there/elsewhere may make use of information shared in this environment to screen applicants OUT.

Do we really want to access personal thoughts and private conversations to make judgments of one another? My college girlfriend would likely brag on me, but my grad school girlfriend might not. Should the manager at Macy's really be reading our previous personal notes to one another to decide on my character? Interesting question, and makes me think ... just because we can, SHOULD we?

On the other hand, if clearly identified, I sense that an adviser might be perceived as more accessible if present in this “environment.” Students might sense they could ask questions they couldn't face to face. But again, clear identification would be the key, as would clearly explaining the limits of such conversations within this environment, and the liabilities inherent. It would not be a secure medium, and no confidentiality could be assured or implied.

But, my bank did open a branch at the local grocery store. It makes me think about going to see them a little more often. And I did ask about CD rates recently. Is that the same thing? Did I mention I saw my old girlfriend there?

-Rusty Fox, Tarrant County College, July 10, 2006


I don't think it is appropriate or professional for advisers to communicate with students with FaceBook or MySpace, etc. It blurs the boundaries between professionals and students. Students put way too much personal information on their pages and this could be an ethical issue. I believe that students should be warned about the content of their pages. Employers are starting to use this as a screening tool. If advisers want to use technology for communicating with students, they can use the institution's Web site and create online advising, advising portals, etc. for this purpose.

-Louann Schulze, The University of Texas at Arlington, July 14, 2006


Yes, I am in total agreement. Ethical/legal issues can arise.

I am the Virtual College of Texas Counselor at Lee College. I communicate with my students over my business phone and work e-mail. Yes, I do remote access my e-mail from home, but my e-mails are addressed from work dealing with academic/school issues.

Not to say that I am not human with my students, but there needs to be a professional boundary.

We may sound old school, but MySpace, in my opinion, can be dangerous to our young people since there are some very scary people out there watching our children/students.

-Mary Ramos, Lee College, July 14, 2006


I am in total agreement. Keeping our work on a professional basis is important, blurring the boundaries can create implied issues we do not want to convey. We are representing our institutions, and our students know where to find us if they need help. A university Web site is much more appropriate.

-Karen Zastudil, Lorain County Community College, July 14, 2006


Though ethical issues can arise, I find it a bit irresponsible of us to not present a professional presence on academically linked networks such as Facebook. I've been utilizing it as an advising tool for over a year now (in addition to AOL Instant Messenger and Blackboard) and find the results astonishing—in both providing and gaining access for and to my caseload as well as giving them an example of how to be responsible on such sites. I've even chased a few of my advisees onto MySpace and seen changes in their profile pages due to the “voice of reason” that my presence provides. I applaud those of you who can reach all of your students via your institution's e-mail programs; I simply find it more effective to use every tool at my disposal. And my students have responded quite favorably to my presence on the sites in question. They appreciate the extra access that my use of these networks provides them.

I strongly feel we need to resist the urge to vilify the various means of communication most heavily utilized by our students. (Remember that millennials are more connected than we would have imagined even five years ago). Rather, we might broaden our definitions of advisement to include such issues, i.e., providing guidance on how each student can continue forging relationships on these social networks while protecting themselves and acting/behaving appropriately on them.

Please feel free to contact me directly if you've any questions about my approach: ajesposito@vcu.edu
AOL Instant Messenger: vcuesposito

You can even find me on Facebook if you'd like—I know I encourage it!

-Art Esposito, Virginia Commonwealth University, July 17, 2006


The social networking Web sites MySpace and Facebook are a trap for anyone, advisers included. Web sites could be used to enhance adviser-advisee communication, but only on sites created for that purpose and controlled by advisers and the institutions they represent. Although it is tempting at times to engage advisees in open discussion, it would likely not serve their best interest. They may be too easily swayed by an adviser's personal opinion, which may be absent in a professional setting but could slip all too easily in social discourse. It may benefit the advisee if their account was checked by the adviser who could then critique the content. As advisers should maintain a level of professionalism in the eye of the advisee, posting on these sites could lower that perception. The advisee should be warned of hazards that could result years down the line from fun and exciting personal pages on these sites. With these considerations in mind, any “social networking” between advisers and advisees should take place only on networks designed and designated to the betterment of the advisee, and to protect both advisee and adviser.

-Matthew L. Cravatt, University of Oklahoma, July 17, 2006

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