ACADEMIC ADVISEMENT_YOUR GPS FOR LEARNING

A lecturer recently pointed out his expectations of his students and described such expectations as being those of a "300 level" student. The question then arose as to the significance of course levels and the distinctions among them. This, combined with the many comments and questions regarding the timeline for completion of the Bachelors Program have prompted me to share my thoughts on the importance of academic advisement. It is an amateur attempt but I hope to sufficiently pique your interest to hold discussions and to engage advisors beyond just the requisite process of registration. Academic advisement is a familiar term but clearly, the facility is under-utilised.

According to Erskine H. Cash, Professor Emeritus of Animal Science, Department of Dairy and Animal Science (Penn State University), "the primary purpose of academic advising is to provide effective guidance so that students can maximize the educational opportunities available...and make critical decisions regarding education, career, and life goals". Professor Cash further suggested that advisement requires mutual interest and effort, that the success of academic advising depends on the ability of the adviser and advisee to recognize the nature of the academic advising process, address specific components of academic advising and together be responsible in the advising process. The underlined phrase indicates that the decision making processes involved in choosing courses and programs is equally the responsibility of the student.

The Georgia State University Student Advisement Center outlined the responsibilities of both parties in their Academic Advising Syllabus. I took liberty to highlight some of the points.

Advisor Responsibilities – What to Expect

You can expect your advisor to:

• Understand and effectively communicate the core curriculum and University policies and procedures.
• Guide and support you in the development of semester course schedules.
• Provide you with information about and strategies for utilizing available campus resources and services.
• Monitor and accurately document your progress toward meeting your goals.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Be accessible to you via office hours, email, and telephone.
• Assist you in gaining responsibility for your educational choices and achievements.

Advisee Responsibilities – What to Expect

As an advisee, you are ultimately responsible for your educational success:

• Schedule regular appointments or make regular contact with your advisor during each semester; cancel and/or reschedule in a timely manner.
• Be proactive in your approach to developing and implementing an educational plan.
• Come prepared to each advisement meeting with questions and discussion points.
• Become knowledgeable about University policies and procedures.
• Accept responsibility for your decisions.
• Read your GSU email and other important communications on a regular basis.
• Make use of campus services and resources to enhance your personal and academic success.

Part of being a successful student is putting time and energy into planning. Academic advisors play a critical role in directing your academic path and can make a significant difference in your college experience. If applied creatively academic advising relationships can provide learning experiences that prove valuable to students during the college years and beyond.
 

http://dus.psu.edu/cfe/role1.htm -
http://www.york.cuny.edu/academics/advisement
http://www.gsu.edu/advisement/academic_guides.html