Advising Syllabus

 

Definition of Academic Advising 

 

“Academic advising is a developmental process which assists students in the clarification of their life/career goals and in the development of educational plans for the realization of these goals. It is a decision-making process by which students realize their maximum educational potential through communication and information exchanges with an advisor: it is ongoing, multifaced, and the responsibility of both student and advisor. Advising is a relationship built on trust and respect – one dependent on the student haring who she or he is, asking questions, and following through on the advisor’s recommendations; and the advisor listening with interest and providing academic advice, career guidance, a plan of study, moral support and referrals to support services when appropriate” (Crockett, 1987, p. 6-7) 

Purpose of Academic Advising 

 

The purpose of the advising partnership is to assist students through an academic journey that is intellectually, personally, and creatively engaging at the University and to facilitate successful completion of their program in an expedient manner. 

Upon or before completion of 59 semester hours, students will: 

 

  1. 1.  Value the relationship between advisor and advisee by making at least one appointment per semester with their advisor; ask questions related to academic progress; identify interests, values and educational goals; and utilize the resources identified by the advisor and additional resources 
  1. 2.  Comply with policies in effect at the time of admission to the University governing their education as stated in the University Catalog and refer to the Academic Requirements Report (ARR) for the correct edition 
  1. 3.  Refer and adhere to the deadlines as listed in the current academic calendar for semester registration, tuition payment, dropping and withdrawing from courses 
  1. 4. Successfully complete the General Education Foundation courses within the first two semesters at the University 
  1. 5.  Refer to the University Catalog for course descriptions and select appropriate courses based on level of instruction, correct sequencing, and chosen major to meet required support courses with general education goals. If questions arise, consult with advisor regarding selections. 
  1. 6.  Recognize the relationship between requirements for General Education and Major (and required support courses or required minor where applicable) by selecting courses from all areas for  each semester registration when possible: 
    • ​​​​  Register each semester for one or two major or required support courses and two general education courses.
  1. 7.  Get acquainted with the sequencing and availability of courses laid out:

​ Academic Requirements Report (ARR) and Course Descriptions sections; and

Availability by semester as presented by ARR and the four year road map. 

During the Third and Fourth years, students will:

 

  1. 1.  Develop deeper knowledge of their major and possibilities for a minor, certificate of achievement or completion to enhance post-graduation plans and select appropriate courses for upcoming semesters 

  1. 2.  Join University club(s), professional associations, or volunteer, in some aspect of work related to their major in consultation with advisor 

  1. 3.  Seek and work in an internship or co-op education position connected to their major 

  1. 4.  Attend at least one professional conference/film festival related to major 

  1. 5.  Begin and continually add to a profession résumé or portfolio with the guidance of the Career Development Center 

  1. 6.  Begin or continue research on post-graduation possibilities with major professors and the Graduate Studies Resource Center​

    1. a.  Career search 

      Begin networking through professional organizations, attending local chapter meetings; researching the Bureau of Labor Statistics, MOIS and agencies, companies, institutions, etc. for a match in values, interests, standards, potential for advancement; and acquaint themselves with the companies’ structure, market value, standing in the community, and growth potential through annual reports and industry reviews 

       

      b.  Professional internships 

      Register and pay fees for required professional internships 

       

      c.  State or professional certification examinations 

      Consider the city and state they will live in after graduation and prepare to take required exams  

       

      d.  Graduate study 

      Comply with application and graduate examinations deadlines for registration, fees payment and letters of recommendation