Advising

At the Business Advising Office (BAO), we are dedicated to empowering students through inclusive advising that fosters growth and supports decision-making. We partner with students to navigate their academic journey with purpose, confidence, and connection. Our core advising values are based on:

Lifelong Learning & Growth
We foster curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning—for students and advisors alike.

Authentic Relationships
We build trust through empathic listening, consistent support, and effective communication.

Empowerment Through Knowledge
We provide academic guidance that promotes self-advocacy, confidence, and informed decision-making.

Inclusive & Collaborative Community
We create a welcoming, inclusive environment, and work in partnership with students and campus allies.

Purposeful Connection & Engagement
We help students make meaningful connections in their educational journey.

The Advising Partnership

Productive advising is built on a true partnership in which the student and the advisor work together. An ideal advising partnership is one of mutual engagement, responsiveness and dedication. Regular advising meetings are the fundamental building block of the partnership and help an advisor to better serve as a resource so that students may plan and prepare over the course of their time at UC Davis.

To make this partnership a success, students should:

• Prepare for advising appointments by drafting academic plans and bringing a list of questions. Also, be ready to take notes!
• Be responsible for your degree: research and plan ways to reach your academic goals.
• Check, manage and respond to emails: send emails from @ucdavis.edu address and include your student ID number.
• Actively engage in the advising relationship: respond to your advisor and be forthcoming about perceived obstacles to success.
• Act upon referrals to other sources of information and advice.
• Let advisors know when they have not been able to find information and the advice they need.

To make this partnership a success, advisors should:

• Be knowledgeable, responsive and supportive.
• Advocate for students and guide them throughout their degree: help students navigate requirements and policies.
• Inquire about students' short-term and long-term goals and ask students to consider studying abroad, internships, research opportunities, etc.
• Reach out to students, especially when a student is struggling.
• Refer students to appropriate resources: research the answers to questions with students as a way to show students how and where to find information on their own.
• Follow up with students in a timely fashion.