Academic Advising at Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ
Each Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ student is assigned a faculty advisor for assistance in developing their individual Plan of Study, and for continued advice and counsel throughout the student's years at Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ. The student and advisor will work together closely to develop and follow the student's Plan of Study, which will be reviewed and revised as needed throughout the student's undergraduate career. This collaborative advising model is an integral and continuous part of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's educational process.
In general, the appropriate Dean (on the basis of the student's major field of interest) will assign advisors to incoming students. New students participate in special advising sessions at orientation and registration prior to enrollment. Students confer with their advisors for guidance and best practices prior to registration and changes in registration can be made with the advisor's consent. Grades are available online to students via a personal secure account on MU Online. Each faculty member maintains regular hours for student conferences, but students may also request appointments in addition to those office hours.
Additional assistance is provided for any student who receives a deficiency notification during a semester or who falls below a 2.0 grade point average at the end of each term. This is a supplementary program, which may be both individual and group oriented. Assistance may be given through the student's advisor and the Student Success Center as well as by individual faculty members.
The advisor-student relationship is important. Mutual confidence, respect, and understanding between the advisor and student are necessary to achieve the best results.
Student Responsibility
It is important to note that students are ultimately responsible for knowing University, College/School and Departmental Graduation requirements for their degree(s). The advisor should help the student interpret Departmental, College and University requirements as described in the Bulletin. It is the responsibility of the student to seek out the advisor in a timely fashion, provide information on personal and academic issues relevant to the student-advisor interaction and to be familiar with appropriate sections of the University Bulletin Policies and Procedures for Faculty. Advisors have access to degree evaluations for students assigned to them via MU online.
How Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Defines Academic Advising
Academic advising is a proactive, on-going relationship that pairs guided discovery with intentional strategic planning to result in enhanced persistence, connection to appropriate campus and community resources, and development of career goals.
Roles in Advising
What are the responsibilities of the Academic Advisor?
- Be familiar with each advisee and his/her academic histories and be available to partner with the advisee to develop and revise the plan of study, incorporating career goals, skill development, and personal and professional development as part of the student’s University experience.
- Be familiar with the curricular requirements and progression policies of the student’s chosen field(s) of study.
- Be familiar with the various campus support services and resources (such as Student Development, Student Success Center, Writing Center, Math Center, tutoring services, Health Clinic, Counseling Services, etc).
- Be aware of confidentiality issues and FERPA requirements.
- Develop partnerships with Secondary (Student Development) Advisors (if applicable) and report issues through available technologies.
- Participate in ongoing training and development on advising.
What are the responsibilities of the Student Advisee?
- Maintain an ongoing rapport with the assigned advisor, to include regular communication.
- Know the university, college, and major requirements of the chosen field(s) of study.
- Be proactive in advising meetings. Present specific questions, prepare for class scheduling sessions by creating a tentative schedule, and monitor own progress, keeping in mind the requirements, plan of study and career goals.
- Participate in regular self-reflection regarding personal and academic growth, and take advantage of university resources beyond the faculty advisor (including Secondary Student Development Advisors, Student Success Center, Writing Center, Math Center, tutoring services, Health Clinic, Counseling Services, etc).
The Council on Students and Academic Standards, in partnership with the Committee on Scholarship and Faculty Development, provides oversight of academic advising to include training and development, policies, and procedures.
Finding Your Advisor
Incoming first-year students will have the opportunity to meet their academic advisor during New Student Welcome Week. All students can find their advisor on their Student Profile in MU Online. Students may also find their advisor by contacting their academic dean's office:
- College of Arts & Sciences/Exploratory: Shilling Hall Room 209
- College of Fine Arts: Shilling Hall Room 212
- College Professional Studies: Shilling Hall Room 206
- Tabor School of Business: Scovill Hall Room 105