Academic Advising
The dean of the appropriate school is responsible for naming the general advisor for graduate students in his/her school. A student is advised by the head of the major department or by professors appointed as academic advisors.
Academic advisement is a process-oriented, interactive professional relationship between advisor and advisee. It is viewed as process-oriented because it involves the developmental stage of career exploration of the advisee, followed by a course of action that includes discovery, knowledge, timeliness, and precision on the part of both advisor and advisee. Both parties are responsible for the success of the relationship as follows:
An advisor is expected to:
- Respect advisees,
- Have knowledge of the curriculum and advisement issues related to the program,
- Be efficient and accurate when completing programs of study,
- Help advisees explore their academic progress,
- Assist advisees with career choice(s), and
- Be available for advisement throughout the academic year, including prior to and during pre-registration.
An advisee is expected to:
- Respect the advisor,
- Read and apply the information in the Graduate Bulletin,
- Make and keep appointments with the advisor,
- Be prepared for appointments with the advisor, and
- Engage in exploration of career choice.
Each student is encouraged to communicate with her/his advisor concerning contemplated schedule, educational or career plan changes, or to discuss academic problems and concerns. Although advisors provide guidance and assistance to students, it is ultimately the responsibility of each student to be familiar with the requirements of her/his program of study and the Graduate Bulletin.