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Get advice you can trust An Introduction to Academic Advising
Sullivan University recognizes that a quality academic program must be complimented by a comprehensive academic advising program. We believe that quality academic advising is an integral part of our academic missions. Consequently, our academic advising program is divided into three distinct phases to meet the changing needs of each student as they progress through their curriculum.
First Quarter Advising
After being accepted to the university, each student meets with an academic advisor or trained staff member of our Academic Services office to plan their first quarter of classes. The advisor reviews the student’s admissions test scores and any transfer credit, listens to the student to learn more about their career goals, explains the available academic support options, like free peer tutoring, Academic Success Workshops, or Plus Fridays, and explains the general sequencing of classes for the student’s anticipated major. The student finishes their advisement appointment by completing a class schedule for the upcoming quarter and by learning more about how academic advising evolves throughout their progression through their program.
Advising for Continuing Students
Students continuing into their second quarter and beyond are assisted by a faculty advisor chosen from their major. All full-time faculty are faculty advisors. These faculty advisors will assist students through all but their final quarter of advising. The faculty advisors are recognized as the curriculum experts, and consequently are able to offer students detailed information about course content. They make sure that students are taking the courses that compliment their career goals. The faculty advisor has a course sequencing guide that gives them information on which quarters each course will be offered. Although course scheduling is not the only focus of the faculty advisement meeting, it is recognized that accurate course selection from quarter to quarter is essential to keep each student on track to graduate in a timely manner. The quarterly meeting with a faculty advisor is a mandatory process prior to scheduling each quarter. This typically occurs during weeks seven and eight of the quarter.
Final Quarter Advising and the Degree Audit
Finally, preparation for graduation begins one quarter away from the student’s anticipated quarter of graduation. Instead of meeting with a faculty advisor to plan their final quarter schedule, each student returns to the Academic Services office to meet with an advisor who will complete a final quarter degree audit. The necessary graduation paperwork is completed along with the final quarter schedule. The student is referred to the Graduate Employment Service, if they have not been working with the office already, and to their final quarter graduation meeting where cap and gown and diploma are ordered for the upcoming commencement ceremony.
The Student’s Role and Responsibility as an Advisee
The academic advisor and faculty advisors are trained experts in the curriculum and advising. Nevertheless, the student plays an essential role in the advising process. In fact, the value of academic advising is greatly diminished if the student does not take responsibility for their role in this process. Students are expected to do the following to make this process meaningful and beneficial:
• Clarify personal values, abilities, interests, and goals.
• Contact and make an appointment with the advisor when required or when in need of assistance. The student must notify the advisor if it is impossible to keep the scheduled appointment.
• Become knowledgeable and adhere to institutional policies, procedures, and requirements.
• Prepare for advising session and bring appropriate resources or materials.
• Follow through on actions identified during each advisement session.
• Evaluate the advising system, when requested, in order to strengthen the advising process.
• Request or seek assistance from another advisor, if necessary.
• Accept final responsibility for all decisions.
Advisor Availability and Hours
The advisors in Academic Services are available daily from 8:00 am – 10:00 pm throughout the quarter to assist students with any academic advising concerns. Faculty advisors are also available throughout the quarter during their office hours. Students are encouraged to seek their assistance as needed for any matters relating to their curriculum or intended career path. Finally, all students are encouraged to seek assistance whenever they have questions or concerns. For questions about academic advising, please contact the associate dean of academic affairs at 859-514-7620.
Request more information about the Sullivan University advisor program. |
