College Academic Advising Guide | Education

Whether you are a prospective student, a first semester sophomore, a student preparing to graduate, or seeking admission Graduate SchoolExperts say academic advising plays a vital role in guiding college students in their educational journey.

There is probably no one person that students turn to more often throughout their college experience than their academic advisor.

“We used to define academic advising in very black and white terms,” said Kyle Ross, executive director of the National Academic Advising Association. “Now, students will have access to a full range of supports and resources that they wouldn’t have if they didn’t have a stable relationship with their academic advisor.” University or College“”.

Academic advisors help students understand their study plans and degree. Advisors have traditionally focused on enrolling students in Training courses and ensure they are on the right path to complete their degree program.

But experts say their role has evolved. While academic advisers still help students register for classes, they now also serve as campus resource and support centers.

Ross said that when meeting with an academic advisor, students should ask “what courses need to be completed during key periods in the overall plan, what prerequisites they need to be aware of when planning their courses, and what extracurricular activities they can or should consider, such as practicestudent organizations and overseas study“”.

They should also feel confident asking their advisors for campus resources “that can help them address issues related to financial health,” Mental Healthacademic support, basic needs and everything related to their overall success while attending an institution of higher education.”

Ross said proactive guidance has grown in popularity in recent years. This means advisors use data (including score – “Say ‘Hey, here’s the thing. We wanted to reach out to you because we care about you. Let us know how we can help you. We haven’t heard from you in a while.’”

Good academic advisers don’t dictate courses or pathways for students, he said, “but rather guide, guide and help them determine their own path into higher education.”

Advisor Focus Build relationships Terrell L. Strayhorn, vice provost and acting dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Stanford University, said being a good coach is about “getting to know them, knowing their names, knowing their weaknesses, what brings them joy,” and then using that information in the decision-making process. Virginia Union University.

Experts say the key to successful academic advising is identifying problems early and providing students with solutions.

Experts say that although instructors usually make the first contact at the beginning of the semester, students should also take the initiative to contact their instructors, especially if they are experiencing difficulties in the course, considering Change majorHaving personal problems or getting into trouble Paying for College.

Experts say any student considering dropping a class should speak with an academic advisor as soon as possible. They can discuss why you’re dropping a class, what your options are, what it means for your major, what it means for next semester and how it will affect your financial aid. The deadlines for dropping a class make it especially important to meet with an advisor early.

They should also meet once a semester to make sure they are on track to graduate, she said, adding that most of her discussions with students involve career goals, declaring a major, time to complete a degree, developing a degree plan and course selection.

“Advisors are most familiar with the latest course catalogs and degree updates,” she said. “We can also clear any roadblocks for students and create a clear path for them to graduate.”

Strayhorn “Students should be open about their aspirations,” she said. “Academic advisors and leaders should be open and honest about the school’s ability to achieve its goals.”

“Students should feel comfortable coming into school saying, ‘I want to have my own business. I want to run a nonprofit. I want Become a lawyer‘ And the school, through their academic advisors, should be able to guide them from where they are now to where they want to be tomorrow.”

Experts say it’s important to list your goals and questions before the meeting, including those related to potential graduate study.

Imergoot recommends that students ask about their degree outcomes and how their university addresses these Transfer creditsStudent Success Programs, the University Catalog, Library Resources, and the Writing Center.

“No question is too small or insignificant,” Strayhorn said. “Ask questions. Be your authentic self, share your dreams, aspirations and aspirations for school, and don’t be afraid to ask for help before problems arise.”

“For a long time, what academic advising has done is provide students with information and knowledge about academic expectations and standards,” he added. Non-academic needs… They want to go to a school where they feel they belong. Students should ask questions and express their non-academic needs during the admissions process. directionand when meeting with academic advisors in and out of class.”