Advising

Welcome to the Business Advising Office (BAO)! 

Our purpose is to support and guide students through their academic journey by fostering a culture of continuous learning, meaningful connection and inclusive collaboration. We aim to empower individuals with the knowledge, skills and support needed to make informed decisions and thrive during their time at UC Davis.

Mission Statement

We empower students through a shared commitment to lifelong learning, authentic relationships and inclusive community. By fostering curiosity, adaptability and self-advocacy, we provide thoughtful academic guidance rooted in trust, empathy and collaboration. Our work supports purposeful engagement and meaningful connections, helping students navigate their educational journeys with confidence and clarity.

Our Core Advising Values

Lifelong Learning & Growth
We foster curiosity, adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning—for students and advisors alike.

Authentic Relationships
We build trust through empathic listening, consistent support and effective communication.

Empowerment Through Knowledge
We provide academic guidance that promotes self-advocacy, confidence and informed decision-making.

Inclusive & Collaborative Community
We create a welcoming, inclusive environment, and work in partnership with students and campus allies.

Purposeful Connection & Engagement
We help students make meaningful connections in their educational journey.

The Advising Partnership

Productive advising is built on a true partnership in which the student and the advisor work together. An ideal advising partnership is one of mutual engagement, responsiveness and dedication. Regular advising meetings are the fundamental building block of the partnership and help an advisor to better serve as a resource so that students may plan and prepare over the course of their time at UC Davis.

To make this partnership a success, students should:

• Prepare for advising appointments by drafting academic plans and bringing a list of questions. Also, be ready to take notes!
• Be responsible for your degree: research and plan ways to reach your academic goals.
• Check, manage and respond to emails: send emails from @ucdavis.edu address and include your student ID number.
• Actively engage in the advising relationship: respond to your advisor and be forthcoming about perceived obstacles to success.
• Act upon referrals to other sources of information and advice.
• Let advisors know when they have not been able to find information and the advice they need.

To make this partnership a success, advisors should:

• Be knowledgeable, responsive and supportive.
• Advocate for students and guide them throughout their degree: help students navigate requirements and policies.
• Inquire about students' short-term and long-term goals and ask students to consider studying abroad, internships, research opportunities, etc.
• Reach out to students, especially when a student is struggling.
• Refer students to appropriate resources: research the answers to questions with students as a way to show students how and where to find information on their own.
• Follow up with students in a timely fashion.