Why Build an Advisory Board?

Why do I need a “board” instead of one mentor?

Simply put, any given faculty member is likely too busy to be “your person.” By having multiple people to turn to, you are not beholden to any one person’s availability.
Different people are better suited to meet different needs. You will likely want and need support in many areas of your life related to course content, networking, professional opportunities, strategizing, emotional support, and other topics. Having a network of people to turn to who can support you in these different areas increases the likelihood that you get what you need.
Fellowships, grants, internships, and job opportunities will likely require references from more than one person. Cultivating relationships with multiple people will strengthen the recommendations you are able to get.

Whom do you want on your team of advisors?

Ideally, you want your team to have a least one person who:

What they do	Why it matters	Who they might be
Studies topics related to what you want to study and/or the methods you are interested in using.	It will be helpful to have mentorship from someone who is familiar enough with your area of interest to provide thoughtful input on your ideas, direct you to key literature, theories, and thought leaders in the field, and be familiar with the formulas, code, or lab techniques you use so that they can trouble-shoot problems that you run into.	Professor Lab leader Investigator on a research project Supervisor Faculty advisor of a club or student group
Helps you strategize and make concrete plans.	Conversations with faculty can help you make concrete plans related to your course of study and reveal possible career paths and action steps. Faculty will know about opportunities outside of class that can give you valuable experiences and add to the story of your time as an undergraduate. Many university staff members can provide this type of support, too.	Professor Academic Advisor Director of Undergraduate Study Dean Staff who can also support you in this way include: Learning Consultant Academic Guide Director of Academic Engagement OUSF Staff Teaching Assistant Graduate Student
Has time to listen to you and listens supportively.	College is hard. At times, college is really, really, really hard. Having someone who can listen supportively is invaluable.	Professor Academic Advisor Faculty Advisor of a club or student group Faculty in Residence Staff who can also support you in this way include: Academic Guide CAPS counselor ICC (i.e., CSGD CMA CML I-House, Jewish Life The Mary Lou Women’s Center staff DuWell staff DukeReach staff SDAO staff Residence Coordinator Graduate Student
Will advocate for you.	Sometimes, you will need an adult to step up and go to bat for you.	Professor Academic Advisor Dean Staff who can also support you in this way include: Academic Guide CAPS counselor ICC (i.e., CSGD CMA CML I-House, Jewish Life The Mary Lou Women’s Center staff DuWell staff DukeReach staff SDAO staff