The Value and Use of the Advisory Board

Abstract

Many university programs rely on academic advisory boards for a variety of reasons. In this program showcase, we look at some of the literature surrounding advisory boards to provide a background of what programs in the technical and professional communication field should consider when selecting board members and how programs may choose to use an advisory board based on the program’s goals. Then, we present our specific context, with details about the history of our advisory board, our current expectations of our advisory board members, and how we recognize and appreciate our advisory board members. We also detail the specific way our advisory board members regularly interact with our students, advise our faculty, and contribute to our overall program. Finally, we share some key takeaways that faculty and administrators in other programs may find helpful and what they should consider when building or improving their own advisory boards.