Academic Advising

Photo of advisor with student

Current Students

New Students Enrollment Process	Returning Students Enrollment Process
Dual Enrollment Enrollment Process	Visiting Students Enrollment Process

What is Academic Advising?

“Academic advising is a developmental process which assists students in the clarification of their life/career goals and in the development of educational plans for the realization of these goals. It is a decision-making process by which students realize their maximum educational potential through communication and information exchanges with an advisor; it is ongoing, multifaceted, and the responsibility of both student and advisor. The advisor serves as a facilitator of communication, a coordinator of learning experiences through course and career planning and academic progress review, and an agent of referral to other campus agencies as necessary." (Winston et al., 1982)

Advisor Responsibilities:

Communicate and assist students in understanding degree requirements, policies, and procedures.
Provide a respectful and confidential space to ask questions, discuss interests, and academic concerns as they arise.
Assist and support students in selecting appropriate coursework and co-curricular activities consistent with student values and goals.
Provide feedback and encouragement in developing realistic academic goals corresponding to personal, educational and career factors.
Provide opportunities for ongoing dialogue and collaborative monitoring of student progress.
Assist students in identifying and connecting with appropriate campus resources and services.

Student Responsibilities:

Access student email regularly and respond in a timely fashion to college communications.
Maintain frequent contact, as appropriate, throughout the semester with an advisor.
Initiate requests for advising appointments and attend scheduled appointments whenever possible.
Come prepared to advising appointments with any questions or concerns.
Assess your academic, personal, and career interests, values, strengths, challenges, skills, and needs and be prepared to discuss these with your advisor.
Use the College’s Academic Catalog, delaGATE, Degree Works, Student Handbook, Academic Calendar, and other pertinent resources on a regular basis (See Student Resources Area).