What is Advising?

Academic advising is an ongoing educational process that connects the student to the University. Academic advisors represent and interpret University policies and procedures to the student and help the student navigate the academic and organizational paths of the institution. 

Meet with your Academic Advisor!

We are here to help you in every way possible as you pursue your goal of academic success. Academic Advisors can help you make the right decisions in selecting a major and defining a path toward earning your degree. We can assist you in building your academic schedule, help you complete required forms and point you toward the resources you’ll need to get where you want to go.

Goals

  1. Encourage intellectual curiosity, and stimulate academic and career exploration
  2. Foster student development and success
  3. Promote student retention and timely progression towards graduation.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will be able to select a program of study aligned with their chosen educational plans and careers.
  2. Students will understand the Core Curriculum requirements and be able to select appropriate courses.
  3. Students will be knowledgeable of the requirements for their specific program of study and be able to select appropriate courses.
  4. Students will demonstrate an understanding of Middle Georgia State University academic policies and procedures and how these policies and procedures impact their educational progress.
  5. Students will effectively utilize technological resources to assist in educational planning and course registration.
  6. Students will be able to identify campus resources and services that can be used to assist them in achieving their academic, personal, and career goals.

Benefits of Advising

  1. Builds relationships between faculty and students.
  2. Teaches students to be responsible for their education.
  3. Ensures that students are on track for graduation.

Consequences of “Self” Advising

  1. Frustration.
  2. Lack of direction in educational plan.
  3. Delayed graduation due to missing requirements.

Student Responsibilities

  1. Schedule regular appointments during each semester.
  2. Come to appointments prepared with questions and/or topics to discuss.
  3. Research college degree programs, policies, procedures, and opportunities as appropriate.
  4. Ask questions.
  5. Keep a record of academic progress and goals.
  6. Be courteous by arriving early for scheduled appointments or cancel and reschedule appointments if necessary.
  7. Don’t be intimidated by Faculty/Staff. We’re here to help.

Advisor responsibilities

  1. Comply with requirements of the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other college regulations.
  2. Understand Middle Georgia State University program/degree requirements and effectively communicate them.
  3. Assist students in making course selections and long term plans.
  4. Provide resources and referrals.
  5. Be available throughout the academic year, including prior to and during early registration.
  6. Encourage students to make appointments for advising outside of Registration.

Advising Myths

  1. I can only see an advisor during registration.
  2. My advisor is responsible for my educational plan.
  3. My advisor’s purpose is to sign me up for classes.