What does an academic advisor do?
Academic advising is the centerpiece of the First Year of Studies Program. Twelve full time professional advisors are available to meet with first-year students throughout the academic year. The advisors spend most of the month of June reviewing the application file of each student, including high school records, test scores, and other background information compiled in the process of admission to the University. This information is then used during the month of July in conjunction with the course selections requested by the student to build an appropriate class schedule for the fall semester. During this time advisors may contact the student from time to time by phone, e-mail, or surface mail. Advisors meet with each first-year student at least once during the fall semester. The purpose of these initial meetings is to discuss the student s overall adjustment to life on the Notre Dame campus and to provide information about resources available to assist students with academic or other
Academic advisors guide students in their course selections, keep students appraised of changes to the curriculum and of resources available on campus, and help students clarify their educational and personal goals. Advising at its best is much more than granting registration approval. 2. What does my student’s advisor expect of him/her? Advisors expect students to exercise some agency in their own educational experience. This includes planning schedules and alternate courses prior to the advising appointment, and about career-related opportunities, discussing areas of academic struggle and listening to suggestions made by the advisor. Ultimately, students must commit to making the most of the opportunities offered here, and advisors can facilitate that process. 3. What does my student do to change his/her advisor? Many students change advisors when they change disciplinary focus, or upon declaring a major. Others change in search of the best personality match. Any reason is valid. The
• Assists you in understanding your major, if you have one, and assists you in understanding about careers in that field. Helps you decide your major if you don’t have one. Recommends resources or people to visit with if you are unsure about your current major. • Provides advice for creating your class schedule each semester. Works with you to ensure that you fulfill requirements for the University, college and major. • Provides guidance for adding or dropping courses. For example, you are upset because it’s your first week in classes and you hate your science class. Should you gut it out? Your advisor is a good person to turn to. • Gives guidance and advise about important procedures to help you negotiate the system (i.e. how to get off probation, how to repeat a course, how to sign-up for special problem courses or internship hours). • Is a friend who listens and uses her or his experience to help you out of jams, if possible. • Finally, keeps whatever you tell him or her in strict c
Your Academic Advisor is a faculty person within your program of study who will guide you through your major. They will assist you with course planning and can answer specific questions about how to put your degree to work for you after graduation. If you are planning to transfer to a four-year college or university, your advisor can answer your questions about transfer issues.
