The Duties of the Student Adviser

Abstract

The very machinery of a large high school so engrosses the time and attention of the administrative officers that there is left, oftentimes, to no one in particular the responsibility of the direction and guidance of the individual pupil and even of the student body. In order to meet this pressing need there has been appointed in many high schools a student adviser whose duty it is to assist the administration by taking the initiative in the direction of the social activities and who, with the co-operation of the teachers and administrative officers, shares the responsibility for the moral guidance, the physical welfare, and the progress of pupils in the studies pursued. The creation of this position has grown out of a realization of the necessity for more socialization of the student body and for a closer relationship between teacher and pupil. The problems with which the student adviser is confronted are so varied and so individual that it is very difficult to classify them in any comprehensive way. Perhaps, general supervision of the girls in all their many relations would best describe the main responsibility. Just as important and absorbing is the adviser's share in determining the policies of the school in the direction and supervision of social activities, in bridging the gap between the school and the home, in vocational guidance, in co-operating with teachers and outside agencies, in stimulating and encouraging pupils concerning academic matters, and in welfare work. The means of handling these problems are determined by the personality of the adviser, the organization and character of the school, and the equipment furnished. However, there are certain requisites which are essential for the proper functioning of this position in any school. The student adviser must be a woman of marked initiative who possesses qualities which inspire confidence. She must assume leadership and responsibility. As far as the