Advising Responsibilities

Advising Responsibilities

Academic Advising is an essential ingredient for successful completion of the baccalaureate degree. Together, the advisor and the student can clarify goals and career choices in an atmosphere of open communication.

The College of Science, Engineering and Technology places a high value on advising and has undertaken a systematic effort with department chairs, faculty, staff, and students to build a strong advising program.

Students should feel free to ask questions, share problems, and seek referrals that will enhance the quality of student life.

Your responsibility as a student advisee:

1.     Know policies and procedures concerning your program requirements, graduation requirements as outlined in the University Bulletin; and important departmental guidelines.

2.     Check the semester course schedule and identify your needed courses.

3.     Know what is required for you to maintain good academic standing.

4.     Maintain personal copies of grade reports, degree audits, substitution or waiver forms, transfer credit evaluations, and other information regarding your university education.

5.     Know how to access information on your academic progress via the web-based advising system.

6.     Use mavmail to contact (or respond to) your advisor and access other information which is sent to you by the university. 

7.   Initiate appointments with your advisor at least once a semester and follow up on advisor referrals and recommendations.

8.     Prepare for each meeting with your advisor by reviewing carefully your degree audit in advance and bringing it with you to the meeting.

9.     Have some vision of your academic career; prepare a semester by semester plan to enable you to complete your degree in a timely fashion. Share your plan with your advisor.

10.     Prepare for your meeting with your advisor by creating a list of questions or concerns; ask questions until you understand.

11.  Evaluate periodically the amount of time you allocate to coursework, employment, and personal life. Try to strike a balance that ensures good academic progress.

12.  Identify a faculty member in your minor area to serve as an additional advisor.

13.  Make your own decisions on matters of course selection and withdrawals, based on reliable sources of information you have gained from your advisor and the MSU Bulletin. Then accept responsibility for the impact of those decisions on your academic progress and standing.

Tips for Advisees

1.     Schedule regular meetings with your advisor until graduation. 

2.   Know your academic status throughout your academic career.

3.     Ask questions until you understand. Rely on the proper sources of information such as academic advisors and the CSET Advising Center. Friends, employers, roommates, family members usually do not have the same knowledge of your major and cannot take responsibility for guiding your decisions.

 

Academic or Faculty Advisors are responsible to the students and individuals they serve. Advisors should:

1. Clarify pertinent information about the major and discuss student academic progress;
2. Be accessible and available to students to respond to their questions and concerns;
3. Clarify academic policies, college regulations, program requirements, procedures, and other college information;  
4. Help students define and develop educational plans; assist in the selection of appropriate course work and opportunities to achieve students’ goals;
5. Respect students’ individual needs and diverse circumstances;
6. Respect the rights of student to have information about themselves kept confidential.  Advisors share information only when the advisor and student believe that information is relevant and will result in increased information or assistance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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