Student Advising
Academic Advising - An Overview
"Academic advising is an ongoing interactive process involving the student, advisor and institution, the primary goal of which is to assist students in the development and accomplishment of meaningful educational plans that are compatible with their life goals."
From the MU Advisors Forum Missions Statement
- Define academic, career, and personal goals.
- Develop plans to reach goals.
- Learn degree requirements.
- Schedule and keep appointments with advisor.
- Be prepared for advising sessions; bring degree forms and / or transcripts.
Prepare a list of questions. Read catalog and schedule of courses in advance.
- Explore ways to enhance your education.
- Consider and follow-up on advice you are given.
- Seek help at first sign of problems, don't expect problems to be resolved without action.
- Get advice about how to talk to instructor concerning your work in class.
- Discuss how to establish relationships with professors in order to have them write letters of recommendation.
- Explore majors and plan long-range academic / career options.
- Discuss minors, a double major or a dual degree.
- Make a four-year academic plan.
- Consider Study Abroad.
- Interpret a degree audit.
- Discuss transferring divisions or changing majors.
- Discuss how or whether to withdraw or to drop a class.
- Learn about grading options, class standing, academic status, and other university rules and regulations.
- Identify dates and deadlines.
- Explore co-curricular activities.
- Discuss experiential learning opportunities: internships, co-ops, part-time jobs, volunteer positions, and research opportunities.
- Notify instructors in emergency situations.
- Discuss academic difficulties.
- Find out who to talk to about personal concerns.
An essential part of the academic success is planning course work to explore and meet academic goals.
One part of the advising process is registration for classes. After being advised, students can register using the phone (PAWS) or a computer (STARMU) or in person at 208 Brady Commons. Each student is assigned a specific time to register which is printed on the registration form.
- Know specific dates for registration.
- Pick up a schedule of courses and your registration form.
- Make an appointment to see your advisor.
- Check with your advisor to see if a degree audit is available.
- Use the University catalog, student handbooks, or checklists (available in some departments from your advisor) to develop a list of possible courses and to work out a tentative schedule.
- Prepare a list of questions.
- Use PAWS or STARMU to check course availability.
- Meet with your advisor and discuss your choices and questions.
- Confirm that courses are still open through PAWS or STARMU.
- At the day and time printed on your registration form, register for classes.
Peer Advisor
An undergraduate student who can answer routine procedural questions, including those about STARMU, PAWS, and reading degree audits, and assists students schedule courses. A peer advisor is responsible for providing procedural information and appropriate referrals.
Professional Academic Advisor
An individual who assists students with academic planning, degree requirements, and setting educational and career goals and provide information on rules and regulations, graduation requirements, transfer issues, study abroad and co-curricular opportunities, class scheduling, and life after graduation. An academic advisor directly advises students but also has other responsibilities such as updating student records, recruitment, program coordination, advising student groups, preparation of printed material, participation on campus / departmental committees, and teaching.
Faculty Advisor
An individual who assists students with academic planning, meeting degree requirements, and setting education and career goals; gives specific advice for majors, preparing them for advanced study and careers; provides information about co-curricular opportunities and individual academic / research work. Thus, plan ahead when seeking the assistance of a faculty advisor: be prepared with questions and be aware of office hours.
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