Academics

Responsibilities

It is the academic advisor’s responsibility to

Be knowledgeable about university, school/division, and department academic regulations.
Establish, maintain, and clearly post adequate and suitable office hours for advising (including information on summer availability).
Assist the student with understanding degree requirements and the proper sequencing and selection of courses. This includes being knowledgeable about developmental course placement and any published changes in requirements.
Assist the student with determining practical and manageable academic loads.
Assist the student with monitoring academic progress.
Document approved exceptions to the student’s academic program.
Explain the relationships among degree requirements, departmental philosophy, and, as necessary, certification criteria.
Assist the student with considering areas of enrichment appropriate to abilities and goals.
Assist the student with linking programs of study to relevant career opportunities.
Act, when appropriate, as a referral agent to other university personnel and services.

It is the student’s responsibility to

Be knowledgeable about university, school/division, and departmental program requirements; academic regulations; and calendar deadlines specified in the Bulletin, Schedule of Classes, and departmental publications.
Consult with his/her advisor whenever appropriate and in a timely manner.
Be prepared for all scheduled advising sessions.
Make academic decisions based upon the information obtained or recommendations offered. Academic advisors will not make decisions for students.
Act upon academic decisions in a timely manner.
Maintain personal records of academic progress, including documentation of approved exceptions to stated program requirements.
Seek additional or supplemental advice from other university personnel or services as needed or recommended.
Present and candidly discuss factors (such as employment, commuting distance, and other circumstances) that might influence selection of classes, registration processes, and other academic planning.

Undergraduate Students: Please tell us about your experiences in academic advising