Academic Advising

 “Advising, as part of the educational process, involves helping students develop a realistic self-perception and successfully transition to the postsecondary institution. Advisors encourage, respect, and assist students in establishing their goals and objectives.  Advisors seek to gain the trust of their students and strive to honor students' expectations of academic advising and its importance in their lives.” (National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) Statement of Core Values of Academic Advising, 2005, p.1)

Informed academic advising is essential to student retention.  Advisors provide students with necessary support to remain stimulated, challenged and progressing toward a meaningful goal.  Academic advising provides students with a person to whom they can turn with confidence when in need of assistance with academic and/or personal concerns. 

 The Office of First Year Experience department provides intrusive advising services to all students.  Intrusive academic advising is based upon the philosophy that institutions should not wait for students to experience problems before they intervene.

Academic Advising Goals

• To help students clarify their values and goals
• To lead students to better understand the nature and purpose of higher education
• To provide accurate information about educational options, requirements, policies and procedures
• To plan educational programs consistent with students’ interests and abilities
• To assist students by continued monitoring and evaluation of their educational progress
• To integrate the many resources of the institution to meet the special educational needs and aspirations of students

Academic Advising includes

• Assisting the student in defining his/her career goals and objectives
• Assisting the student in deciding on a program of study or selecting a major
• Providing orientation to college life
• Providing academic advising for course selection and registration
• Facilitating schedule revision, for select advisees, including drop and add
• Initiating and encouraging advisor/advisee contacts
• Monitoring and tracking the academic and overall development of the student
• Facilitating early academic intervention
• Referring students to appropriate academic support services