What is academic advising?

Academic advising is a developmental process of decision-making through which a student explores and seeks information from professionals in the campus community. This process enables students to discern personal and career goals and to make appropriate decisions about participation in academic programs and the fulfillment of degree requirements.

The advising program is directed through the Academic Advising Offices on each campus. These offices coordinate advising activities and provide direction and assistance to both faculty and students who have advising concerns. They oversee probationary actions and monitor the performance of the general student body and specific groups of students identified to be at risk academically. The advising offices also oversee and coordinate assistance for students with disabilities and other students who may require special academic accommodations.

Though a student may at times need to consult with a variety of individuals, each student is required to have one primary advisor, who is a member of the faculty. The function of this association is to support and challenge the student in career and educational decisions. During the registration for each semester, students are required to consult with their faculty advisor and to obtain their Personal ID Number (PIN) before entering online registration requests.

The First-Year Seminar or Honors professor is the official academic advisor for first-year students. Toward the end of this first year, each student is expected to select a new advisor. This advisor is most often a faculty member in the student's chosen academic major. However, if at this time the student has not yet decided on a major, the student may select any faculty member who agrees to accept the advising role. In the spring semester of the sophomore year, a student must apply to a department for acceptance into a major. From this time on, the student's advisor should be a member of that department. Students should contact the advising office on their campus whenever they wish to select a new advisor.

Program Objectives for Student Learning

CSB/SJU Policies, Procedures and Resources

1) The student will understand

• Academic policies
• Academic procedures
• Graduation requirements

2) Student will be able to identify and make use of campus resources

3) Student will graduate in a timely fashion

Liberal Learning

1) The student will understand the importance of liberal learning

• Demonstrate an ability to integrate classroom and experiential learning 
• Develop skills in critical thinking and effective communication
• Develop skills for lifelong learning

Personal and Intellectual Development

1) Student will develop personally and intellectually

• Engage in a process of self exploration and discovery to discern strengths, weaknesses, values and interests
• Clarify and articulate educational, career and life goals
• Effectively select a major through research, critical thinking and realistic self appraisal  
• Fashion an integrated plan consistent with academic, personal and professional goals

Responsibilities

To achieve these objectives, the student will

• Take ownership and responsibility for decisions, actions or inactions
• Initiate and engage in advising, consultation and research to make informed academic decisions
• Make use of the academic catalog
• Maintain individual academic records

To achieve these objectives, the Office of Academic Advising will

• Value and respect students
• Provide services appropriate for unique populations (LD, LS, CE, DI, IN, MG, CM)
• Serve as an information resource for students, faculty, staff and parents
• Facilitate and support effective faculty advising
• Maintain records and confidentiality
• Demonstrate use of online resources
• Supervise student employees
• Monitor academic progress