Queer Eye for Appreciative Advisors

Abstract

Storytelling is an integral part of appreciative advising, and employing a queer eye in the storytelling process can help advisors avoid the trap of reducing students to a single story, stereotype, or identity.  A queer eye encourages advisors to challenge their assumptions and think critically about stories – both the ones students tell advisors about themselves and the ones advisors tell themselves about students.  This paper introduces the concept of a queer eye and explores the ways in which advisors can strengthen the appreciative advising relationship by approaching students and their stories through this unique lens.