One of the most important aspects of advising is being clear about where students are heading: in coursework, in extra-curricular activities, in internships, in careers. 

In addition to discussing these aspects of the students' lives in detail, advisers ought to encourage students' use of a Goal Sheet.

By referring to the Goal Sheet, and by having the student update it frequently, both adviser and student can focus in on what progress has been made and what challenges still lie ahead.