Research shows, and we believe deeply, that when a student feels known and understood, they will have a stronger sense of belonging, will be more confident, more motivated and hardworking, will develop a stronger sense of self and will contribute more in a community. In an environment that is predictable and supportive, young people will thrive. 

As a student transitions to Proctor, the role of the advisor becomes the single most important relationship in providing that predictability and support. It is the advisor who serves as the primary contact for parents with all school-related issues, who acts as a mentor, advocate, and academic counselor. It is the advisor who guides the student to discover new interests, while simultaneously holding them accountable to community expectations. 

The relationship we, as advisors, develop with our students grows far deeper than any checklist of responsibilities can articulate. Our students soon realize we are an adult in their life who is always there for them. There will be others of course - coaches, dorm parents, teachers, and you as parents or guardians - but our advisees soon realize we are a shoulder to cry on, their biggest fan on the sidelines of games, leading the standing ovation at their theater performances, and will sit with them in the dining hall from time to time because we want to live life alongside them. 

We will be the visitor to their dorm room on a Saturday night to make sure they and their roommate are doing well, will nag them to complete their off-campus program applications, and will be their ride to the emergency room if they break their arm skateboarding down North Street. We will be their study partner before a big test, their cooker of pancakes during advisory on Tuesday mornings, and their compass who will continually nudge them toward true north as they navigate life as a teenager at boarding school. 

We will help advisees develop a four year academic plan and will be by their side if they find themselves in the Dean of Students Office after a poor decision. We will remind them to put their phone away during assembly. And, while our students may struggle to think fifteen minutes into the future, let alone fifteen years, we also hope to be one of our advisee’s first phone calls or texts when major life milestones occur.

Relationships matter in the Proctor journey, and the advisor sits at the very heart of what we do. Learn more about the role of the advisor HERE.