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Student Resources: Undergraduate
Advising: Office of Student Affairs:
What is Academic Advising?
Academic advising takes numerous forms. Advisors can...
Monitor a student's academic progress by
- Providing information on academic requirements needed for graduation
- Discussing how a course of study fits a particular academic or career interest
- Answering questions concerning a particular academic concern, such as problems with a particular class or how to contact an instructor
- Assisting students in developing an academic and career plan
- Informing students about possible scholarships or fellowships and how to apply for them
- Guiding students through the registration process, including providing information on various registration blocks and what needs to be done to remove them.
Help students prepare for the future by
- Discussing how an academic major can prepare a student for his/her career, and what career options are available
- Referring students to the Career Center which provides career counseling as well as workshops on various careers, on writing resumes, preparing for job interviews, etc.
- Informing students about graduate school requirements and application procedures
- Informing students about internship opportunities and how they can possibly receive credit for them
- Providing information on study abroad programs that might enrich a student's academic experience as well as enhance their resume.
Serve as a campus resource by
- Referring students to various academic support units that provide tutoring or workshops on study skills, time management, stress management, etc.
- Recommending to students to seek counseling for stress, addictions, traumas that may be affecting their academic work
- Informing students with physical and learning disabilities of the support available to them
- Encouraging students to get involved on campus via social, political, academic, ethnic/cultural, sport, and/or recreational student organizations and activities
Some advisors can provide information on all of the above. However, sometimes advisors specialize in a particular topic or area of concern. For example, your college/department may have a specific career advisor or study abroad coordinator. Furthermore, some advisors work with specific populations, i.e. returning students, athletes, physical or learning disabilities, students of color, etc. When requesting to meet with an advisor, specify what topics you wish to discuss to ensure that you are directed to the appropriate individual.
Students should develop a relationship with their advisor(s). In other words, bond with an advisor-see him/her frequently throughout the semester, not just at registration time. Please recognize, however, that no one faculty or staff member can help you answer all questions. S/he may refer you to others who can help resolve additional conflicts in your personal or academic life. Be prepared to work with many individuals--faculty, college
staff, counseling, career, and health
center college staff, counseling, career, and health center professionals--all may help you with your concerns. Although the ultimate responsibility for knowing and completing the requirements for graduation rests upon your shoulders, it is wise to seek the assistance offered by advisors.
Written by Jennifer Garcia, Senior Academic Advisor, College of Arts and Humanities with the assistance of the ARHU Office of Student Affairs, 2004.
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