Advising Syllabus NCSU Life Sciences First Year Program Academic Advising Mission Statement Academic advising in the Life Sciences First Year Program is a teaching and learning partnership between advisors and students designed to promote and support students as they explore opportunities in the Life Sciences. Through this partnership, Advisors will challenge students to develop autonomy and build skills necessary for success as they embark on a journey of academic, personal, and professional growth. Learning Outcomes for First Year Advising We believe that you will find your greatest success and satisfaction as a student if you create a solid foundation during your first year. To build this foundation, our first year advising practices focus on helping you develop in three areas: Explore your possibilities Enrich your education Engage with your community During the first semester, you will explore your academic possibilities by relating your interests, goals, skills, and values to majors, careers and the purpose of higher education. You will know where to locate and how to leverage tools and resources that help you clarify your intended path. By the end of the first year, you will identify at least one academic major consistent with your life goals and will understand the matriculation requirements to enter your intended degree program. By the end of the first year, you will recognize the link between co-­‐
curricular activities and academic experiences. You will be able to identify multiple resources and organizations that complement formal classwork and enrich your undergraduate experience. You will understand how participation in selected activities helps you to explore and refine your career goals. By the end of your first year, you will have transitioned seamlessly into the NC State community. You will understand the expectations of you as a scholar at NC State, and you will understand how relationships with faculty, other students, and organizations on campus offer ways for you to grow and give back. The Student-­‐Advisor Partnership Advisor Responsibilities •
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We will treat you respectfully and maintain confidentiality. We will be adequately accessible via email, office hours, and scheduled appointments. We will understand and effectively communicate about the life sciences curricula, matriculation requirements, and university policies and procedures. We will encourage and guide you as you gain the skills to develop clear and attainable educational plans, and help you monitor your progress toward meeting your goals. We will encourage you to engage in activities outside of your coursework. We will assist you in career planning. We will provide you with information about, and strategies for using, campus resources and services. Student Responsibilities •
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We expect you to maintain professionalism in your relationship with your advisor at all times. We expect you to keep scheduled appointments and arrive prepared and on time with questions or materials for discussion. We expect you to maintain an advising folder for all advising materials, and to read and save all emails from your advisor We expect you to set realistic goals, create plans to achieve those goals, and monitor your progress. We expect you to communicate with your advisor if situations arise that impede your progress or success. We expect you to become knowledgeable about university policies and procedures. We expect you to accept responsibility for your decisions, and ask questions if you have a concern or do not understand an issue. Page 53 College Academic Advisor vs. High School Guidance Counselor Your relationship with your Advisor will be much more specific than that with your high school guidance counselor. Your academic Advisor is trained to help you maximize your academic potential while here at NC State. Other centers on campus focus on student health (both physical and mental), disability services, and career counseling. You may be most comfortable initially addressing these non-­‐academic issues with your Advisor, but do not be surprised if s/he refers you to another office with staff who are trained in your particular area of need. See the chart below for a quick list of things your academic advisor can/will do to help you, and things your Advisor will not do. Your Academic Advisor Can: Your Academic Advisor Can Not: •
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Provide advice on what classes count towards your graduation requirements and help you check prerequisites Advise on academic deadlines Clarify university policies and procedures Refer you to academic support services (such as the Tutorial Center) Refer you to specialized campus resources (such as the Counseling Center, the Women’s Center, Career Services, etc.) Review admission requirements for professional and graduate schools Follow up (usually via email) on concerning Progress Reports Advocate, as needed Provide letters of recommendation and references, upon request and when appropriate •
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Enroll you in courses Provide you with special accommodations Counsel you on personal matters (but we can walk with you to the Counseling Center, if needed) Tell you the “best” teachers to take Help you understand financial aid, housing, parking, etc. (but we can help you find the appropriate resource) Make sure you are attending class , and call you (or your parents) if you are not attending Remind you of scheduled meetings Talk to professors for you Share FERPA-­‐protected information with people who do not have FERPA access – including your parents Your First Year Advising Calendar At A Glance Fall Spring Events August 20 September 3 January 7 January 21 October November December March April May First day of classes Census date. Last day to drop a course without a W, or change from credit to audit with tuition adjustment. Students are expected to complete all hours for which they are enrolled as of this date. Course schedule for next semester becomes available, Enrollment advising begins. Most First Year students begin to enroll in classes for next semester. Final Exams Page 54