What is Academic Advising? Students have an invaluable resource in an Academic Advisor. They can be an advocate, mentor, and guide through the maze of today's institutions of higher education. There are forms that need to be filled out and requirements and deadlines that must be met. There are many pieces that need attention and the Academic Advisor can help you make sense of it all. Here are some key areas that often require assistance:
- Applying for Admission to College
- Changing Majors
- Changing Schools
- Registering for Classes
- Changing your Class Schedule
- Unofficial Degree Audits
- Navigating College Degree Requirements
- Graduation Requirements
- Financial Aid Assistance
- Scholarship Assistance
- Forms
What are some advising benefits?
- To help you to clarify your values and goals
- To help you understand the nature and purpose of higher education
- To provide you with accurate information about educational options, requirements, policies and procedures
- To help you plan an educational program that is consistent with your interests and abilities
- To help you integrate our many resources to meet your unique educational needs and aspirations
- To help you understand your past educational achievements and how they are related to your current educational goals
- To help you become aware of your abilities and talents through the use of test results and other data
What are your responsibilities in the advising process?
- Learn the name, office hours, phone number, and campus address of your advisor early in the semester
- Schedule an advising appointment to register for your courses
- Learn how to access your academic information in MaineStreet
- Keep a folder that has a copy of the latest course guide, your updated transcript, and a list of questions or concerns you want to share with your advisor, and bring it with you to each advising appointment
- Know and be able to clearly state your interests, personal values, and goals
- Know your degree program and graduation requirements
- Meet with your advisor if you experience academic difficulty
- Talk to your advisor before changing majors, transferring to another college, or withdrawing from college
What are your advisor's responsibilities?
- To become familiar with your personal, educational, and career goals
- To have some knowledge of your academic ability and background by reviewing your college transcripts, student file, and other documentation you may provide
- To ask you about your academic progress
- To be available to you during posted office hours
- To know your program requirements
- To know about general education requirements and academic policies and procedures
- To be aware of and refer you to campus programs and services (counseling, career planning, study skills workshops, etc.) when appropriate
