What is the proper approach when helping students navigate the student portal?

• A. Attempt to modify enrollment if the student asks
• B. Provide general guidance and direct to official resources; do not modify enrollment
• C. Enroll the student in extra courses
• D. Share your personal login credentials

Answer: (B)

Guiding students to use official resources and keeping actions within authorized channels is essential when helping them navigate the student portal. The best approach is to provide general, step-by-step guidance on how to find the information they need and to direct them to official resources such as the portal’s help pages, the registrar or advising offices, and the IT or support desk. This ensures they receive accurate, up-to-date guidance and that any actions they take are appropriate and properly recorded.

Why this is the right approach: changes to enrollment and other sensitive tasks must be handled by the student through proper channels with identity verification, deadlines, and policy compliance. Intervening to modify enrollment or enroll a student in courses can create incorrect records, affect financial aid, and violate institutional rules. Directing students to official procedures keeps them in control of their own records and protects both the student and the institution.

Avoid actions that cross boundaries, such as modifying enrollment on behalf of a student, enrolling them in extra courses yourself, or sharing your login credentials. Those undermine privacy, security, and policy compliance. Instead, encourage the student to use their own login, follow official steps, and contact the appropriate office if they need help.