Luiza Dreasher, multicultural liaison officer and academic adviser in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, has authored a pocket guide for fellow advisers to enhance cultural competency. NACADA (National Academic Advising Association) has published the guide titled "Cultural Competence in Academic Advising: Skills for Working Effectively Across Cultures."
In the publication, Dreasher raises awareness of cultural differences that may impact the advising relationship between adviser and student. In addition, she discusses a three-step framework that allows for cultural competency development. Dreasher says because of the increase in the number of international students attending college in North America, it has become increasingly more important for advisers to be prepared to work with students who come from different cultural backgrounds and speak different languages.
“If we are to serve an ever-growing diverse student population effectively, we need to increase our awareness of differences so we can respond to their needs appropriately. Cultural competence is a necessary skill set for all of us in higher education,” Dreasher said.