Academic Advisement Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of Academic Advisement?

A: To assist students in the planning of their academic program that incorporates professional, family, leisure and community service goals. We use a developmental theory of advisement. Students progress through the educational system, constantly changing and challenging themselves. Academic advisement should be viewed as a continuous process of clarification and evaluation. The ultimate responsibility for remaking decisions about life gals and educational plans rests with the individual student. The academic advisor assists by helping to identify and assess alternatives and the consequences of decisions.

Q: How will advisement help me?

A: Our advisement goals include:

Q: How do I get assigned an advisor?

A: Most first-time students are assigned to a faculty member who within the department the student plans to major. We ask that students stay with this advisor throughout the year. We like to have the student develop a strong relationship with a faculty person.

Transfer students are assigned to an advisor within their major during their first semester at St. Scholastica. Transfer students usually have less time to spend completing their degree and the accuracy of advisement is critical.

Students are welcome to change advisors at any time as long as the new advisor agrees to the change. Change of Advisor forms are available at OneStop.

Q: How will my advisor help me?

A: Individual academic advising meetings can be available at any time. Stop by the Academic Advisement offices (Tower 2136 - 2140) for drop-in service, or a meeting may be scheduled with the student's assigned academic advisor. Formal advisement conferences occur each semester prior to Registration week. The academic advisor will review and utilize and data about the students' academic and educational needs, performance, aspirations and problems.

The academic advisor will discuss current academic standing, career goals, educational goals, matriculation issues; make referrals when needed, and help to schedule course work for advisees. Advising effectiveness is dependent on a one-to-one relationship between the advisor and advisee.

Q: What is Advisement Week?

A: Advisement Week is the week prior to Registration Week. It is a time for students to meet with their academic advisor and plan out courses for the following semester. Together, they also review their academic goals, previous courses, and courses not yet taken to fulfill the major requirements to ensure they are still on the correct path to graduation.

Q: What do I need to do before an Advisement Week?

A: Every semester students are asked to make an appointment with their advisor. It is important to show up on time. Students should be prepared with a list of courses and second options if the original course list is unavailable. Students should also be candid with their advisor when referring to academic ability and feelings about scholastic endeavors. Should be constantly evaluating their academic plan to ensure that their major is the appropriate choice. It is advisable that all students keep in mind another major that may suit their gifts and needs just in case a student is not admitted into the major of choice.

Q: Where can I get Advisement help or find out who my advisor is?

A: Go to the Advisement Offices in Tower 2136 -2140 and ask, or e-mail advisement@css.edu