Hatrack River Forum: Help! He doesn't even know my name.

This is topic Help! He doesn't even know my name. in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.

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Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :

As many of you in chat have heard, I've become increasingly frustrated with my advisor at this school. Y'see, when I first went to him, he didn't have my file, and he proceeded to give me a lecture on how I was going to amount to nothing and work at Starbucks for the rest of my life. Now, maybe that sort of talk motivates other people, but for me...well, I just find it horribly upsetting and use it as an excuse to hole up in my room alone.

Anyways, I went in about a month ago to arrange my fall schedule and also to add a minor in international business (I'm a music business major). He spent at least an hour discussing this plan with me, helped me take extra summer school, and essentially seemed to have totally changed his mind about me. All of a sudden, I was a smart kid who reminded him of himself, and blah blah, good decisions, whatever. I'm also apparently the ony person in the school who's got an international business minor with a music business major. It's a small school. Basically, it seemed like he was actually going to pay attention to my whole undergrad career and whatnot.

He still didn't have my file though. He said it's probably over at the honors office.

So yesterday, I emailed him to ask him if he thought I should add another class to my fall schedule, and if so, which one? He responded to me as though he had no clue who I was...in fact, he thought I was a business student at the college of business (music business students are technically part of the music college). [Wall Bash]

It seems like every time I talk to this guy, I'm going to have to go through the saga of my educational life all over again! Any suggestions on what I can do? I'd switch advisors, but I've heard he's actually one of the best ones to have. Maybe that only applies if he knows who you are! [Mad]

-pH

Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :

Obviously you need to go...

...where everybody knows your naaaaaame.

Posted by Yank (Member # 2514) on :

Mackillian: [ROFL]

Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :

Theca is probably right.

However:

quote:
I'd switch advisors, but I've heard he's actually one of the best ones to have.

Don't let this influence you too much. I got to registration late once (back in the days when colleges didn't let you register online) and couldn't get the English teacher everyone said you just HAD to have. I was worried and scared that I got someone I had heard was hard and the worst choice.

Best. Class. Ever. She wasn't difficult (I got an A) and she was intelligent, funny, challenging. Just because others think he's a great advisor doesn't mean that he actually IS the best choice for you.

Posted by HollowEarth (Member # 2586) on :

complain. Go above his head. Talk to the dean. Or to a professor from your department. This isn't the first time you've had problems.

You pay to be there, they wouldn't have jobs without you, and it costs a lot (generally) so be annoying and mean if you have to but get what you pay for.

Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :

Or cut him a bit of slack... he advises how many students?

Of course, he could at least have your file there when he has an appointment with you.

Posted by Hobbes (Member # 433) on :

Well he's not gonna learn it unless you make the first move! Come on PH, make the first move, something inconspicous but with clear implications, things like movies with friends, or maybe even a sporting event (show him you're flexiable!) are good. If you're nervous about dropping the question feel free to ease into it, but you have to have some intiative!

Ohh, advisor not advise her, right.

*Leaves*

[Wink]

Hobbes

[ April 16, 2004, 09:10 PM: Message edited by: Hobbes ]

Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :

Okay, prepare a Curriculum Vita.

Put it in really elaborate cover -- preferably hand-crafted.

Attach your prominently to the cover, with your name in bright letters.

Add a nice note saying "Just wanted you to remember who I am next time I e-mail."

And throw a small box of Godiva chocolates in the mix.

Have it delivered to his office.

It'll either really tick him off, in which case you can ask for a new advisor and probably get one without too much hassle. Or he'll laugh and you'll know you've got a great advisor.

Either way, he won't forget you.

[Big Grin]