Academic advising is an interactive process whose aim is to develop a plan that helps the student move smoothly through the academic endeavor s/he has chosen. This process works best when the advisor and the advisee partner to achieve a mutually agreed upon outcome. Both parties have areas of accountability to assure that this process proceeds in a smooth and beneficial manner. Below are listed some elements of the responsibility the student has in the process:
Below are listed some elements of the responsibility the student has in the process:
- Contact your advisor first.
The student must contact the advisor of record immediately after acceptance of admission in order to develop a plan of study consistent with published curriculum plans. - Contact your advisor at least once per semester or session to discuss your progress.
Additionally, the student should contact the advisor at any time during the semester or session to discuss any proposed changes in the plan of study that the student wishes to make to assure that the overall plan is still sound and meets progression requirements. - Contact the advisor if there are academic or other issues that interfere with successful completion of a course or courses.
Although dialogue with the course instructors is essential, it is also essential that the student’s advisor be informed of any problems. Often, the advisor can help to plan strategies, give suggestions about appropriate petitions, and be a sounding board to recognize consequences of actions the student might think about implementing. - Discuss decisions to change specialty tracks, take a leave of absence, waive a course, or other decisions that affect completion of an academic program.
Advisors recognize that goals, objectives, and commitments may change. Your advisor is the first line academic official with whom these changes should be discussed. Procedures, consequences, and suggestions for appropriate strategies are resources that advisors may use to help. - Discuss decisions about capstone.
The advisor can often serve as the first line for recommendations for decisions about a student’s capstone project. - Request, as needed, the advisor to serve as a professional reference after graduation.
The advisor is a person who, in most cases, has known the student since the beginning of the student’s program of study. Advisors are often the best persons to complete a professional reference when their advises are applying for a position or entry into a subsequent advanced or degree program.