Academic Advising TIPS

1. Academic Advising TIPS

2. Role of the Academic Advisor • A central role of the advisor is to help the student define and develop realistic goals, to perceive his/her needs accurately and to match these needs with appropriate institutional resources. The advising process includes the exploration of the student’s long-range and immediate educational and career goals, course selection and placement. An evaluation of interests and special abilities should be included in this process. • The academic advising relationship is best carried out in an atmosphere of caring and trusting. Through the process, the advisor will be helping Midway students meet many of their life-long goals and prepare for a rewarding career. It is not sufficient to be merely a source of accurate information. To be effective, an advisor must exercise non-judgmental listening skills and clear, distinct communication techniques. In addition, the advisor must strongly encourage the student to take responsibility for his/her own educational requirements and decisions. • The faculty advisor needs to be familiar with the College’s curricula, be totally conversant with the requirements of the major or programs he or she is advising and with the College’s policies, procedures and academic regulations that impact students. These procedures are typically found in the College Catalog. • Advising is a powerful tool in the College’s efforts to improve student retention. Students who receive adequate counseling and who feel emotionally and academically supported by a competent and professional advisor are thought to persist longer and are more likely to graduate than students who do not feel a strong tie with their advisor.

3. LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS The College Catalog is the Contract between the STUDENT and the COLLEGE

4. Although it is the student’s responsibility for his/her course selections and academic progress The Advisor serves as the student’s counselor and must be familiar with • The contents of the catalog including the general education and degree requirements • The College’s policies and procedures as they are applied to students

5. Court cases involving academic advising are few. If they occur they usually revolve around issues of fraud and misrepresentation………not good-faith advising mistakes.

6. Tips for Advisors • Document every official meeting with advisees to note (in writing) any conversations about possible situations, waivers, etc. • Keep the Curriculum Tracking Sheet for the student up-to-date • Remember that the Division Chairs/Executive Dean must approve all cases in which an individual student’s degree path deviates from the College Catalog

7. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act • FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s education records. This rights transfer to the student when he/she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level.

8. THE ADVISOR’S ROLE IN RETENTION Students who receive adequate counseling and feel emotionally and academically supported by a competent/professional advisor are more likely to graduate than students that don’t feel a strong tie with their advisor.

9. Tips to Improve Retention • Assist the student in identifying her strengths and encourage her to utilize them in choosing a career/major • Get to know the student on a personal level • Be non-judgmental • Listen • Be honest and communicate clearly • Be available • Encourage the student to become involved in campus and community activities/service • Be a role model