Here are some tips for making effective referrals:

• Bookmark this referral directory and keep any other resources at hand that list services students might need.
• When talking with students, pay particular attention to their expressed and implied needs. Often students won't ask to be referred for help, but they very much need referral.
• Students are often uneasy about following through with a referral. Try to make them comfortable with the idea, pointing out the friendliness, accessibility, and helpfulness of the people you are sending them to.
• Try to keep the chain of referrals as simple as possible. Often students will have to visit several offices to complete referral procedures. Help students reduce the “runaround” by finding ways to eliminate steps. Also, work out with students a proper sequence of steps, so that they don't have to backtrack to accomplish their ends.
• Help students draw up agendas for referrals. Have them jot down crucial questions and procedures for getting the most of their visits with the people to whom you send them.
• Consider facilitating referrals by helping your student make in appointment while they are meeting with you. You can assist in determining whether the student can arrange an appointment through MyUI or if they need to schedule in some other way.
• When you make referrals, jot them down in your advising notes so you can remember to follow up with the student during their next visit or with future outreach. If students report that they haven't followed through, find out why not, and discuss the reasons. Consider whether you should make a different referral, or if there are additional resources or supports that might benefit the student.

^{Adapted from Roundy, Jack. “Tips On Making Effective Referrals In Academic Advising.” Academic Advising News}