Academic Advisor
An academic advisor is assigned to students to assist them in their course and career planning and to provide advice on academic policies and procedures and to help them reach their academic goals.
Productive academic advising is a collaborative activity in which both the student and advisor have particular responsibilities. Having a faculty-student contact of at least once per semester is of utmost importance because:
• Informal student-faculty contact can enhance the quality of the undergraduate experience.
• Course offerings and curricula requirements are sometimes subject to change.
• Undergraduate Plan of Study and Graduation Requirements sometimes need review and/or change.
• Regular contact with an advisor will help provide a good source for recommendations later in your career.
Advisor’s Responsibilities
- To be accessible to students throughout the year during designated office hours. Names of alternate advisors should be posted during extended absence of an advisor from campus. To set aside designated times for registration advising and individual discussions.
- To be knowledgeable about curriculum requirements, academic policies and procedures, referrals and resources on campus, and career opportunities in the major field.
- To guide students through academic programs that will complement their personal, educational, and professional interests.
Student’s Responsibilities
- To know your advisor’s office hours and advising schedule.
- To make an appointment and prepare for registration advising by reviewing the curriculum, class-hour schedule, and pre-requisite requirements.
- To formulate questions regarding curriculum, course selections, career options.
- To be aware of academic and personal needs and to seek assistance when needed.
- To understand that the role of your advisor is to advise, not to make decisions for you. Final decisions should be made by you upon receiving the advice, since it’s your education.