California State University, Los Angeles History Department Advisement Information Mission Statement The History Department is committed to providing undergraduate and graduate students with accurate information regarding their degree programs. We aim to advise undergraduates on major requirements and to help them when possible with General Education and University requirements. Similarly, we endeavor to aid graduate students with their master’s programs, their program progression, and application questions. The History Department seeks to empower students to become engaged participants in determining their own success at the university as active learners and self advocates, and supports their timely progress toward graduation. Contact Information Location History Department Office KH-C4066 (King Hall, 4th floor, C wing) Phone Number (323) 343-2020 Office Hours M-Th: 8am-12pm, 1:30-5pm Fri: 9am-12pm, 1:30-5pm Advisement hours vary; call or visit office for appointment We Serve 1. All undergraduate History general and teaching preparation option majors and students considering a history major 2. All History MA and post-baccalaureate students and prospective MA students 3. Single-subject Social Science credential students seeking a subject matter waiver (see Charter College of Education also) Seeing an Advisor Advising appointments are strongly encouraged. 1. Appointments may be made by visiting or calling the History Department Office at (323) 343-2020. Appointments are conducted in person, not by phone and not by email. 2. Cancellations - if you know you will not be able to keep your appointment, please call the office as soon as possible to cancel or reschedule. 3. Your appointment may be cancelled if you are 5 minutes late. Walk-Ins are seen based upon the availability of an advisor. It is much wiser to make an appointment in advance. Preparing for Your Advisement Session 1. If you have questions about degree requirements or course selection, bring a list of questions or courses you are interested in taking. 2. If you are meeting with an advisor to talk about policies, procedures, or requirements, do your homework first by reviewing the information provided in the catalog or on the web at http://www.calstatela.edu/academic/history/ 3. If you are experiencing academic problems, give some thought to what you believe are causing these problems and have a tentative plan for solving them. The advisor will discuss your situation with you and identify some interventions and strategies for success. The advisor will want to monitor your progress and possibly have you return for a follow-up meeting. 4. If you wish to discuss your academic plan please review your Unofficial Transcript from your GET account and bring a list of questions/concerns to the advisement session. If your transcripts have not been evaluated in GET, bring copies of those transcripts. (We are NOT the official evaluators for the University.) 5. Plan ahead in order to make your time with an advisor more productive. 7/1/2016 Expectations for Students 1. If you are a new undergraduate student, make an appointment to see an advisor before or, at the latest, during your first quarter at CSULA. If you are a new graduate student, you must make an appointment to establish a plan of study prior to your first quarter. All students should subsequently see an advisor on a regular basis, at least every other quarter. 2. Be aware of graduation check filing dates; these are in the published schedule of classes and posted in the department office. Each student has the responsibility of filing a grad check in anticipation of the quarter they intend to graduate. 3. Check your CSULA email regularly. This is the official means of communication used by the University. (You can find step-by-step instructions to forward your CSULA email to your personal account at the following link: http://www.calstatela.edu/its/docs/pdf/forwarding_emails.pdf.) 4. Make and be responsible for your own decisions. 5. Know the requirements for staying in good standing. 6. Maintain accurate and complete advising records. 7. Visit instructors during office hours for additional information and assistance. 8. If you are a History Teaching Preparation Option major, begin LIVESCAN process in a timely manner. See Teaching Preparation option advisor for info. Expectations for Advisors 1. Assist the student to develop a plan for meeting major requirements. 2. Review the students’ selection of classes to make sure courses are appropriate. 3. Help the student develop strategies for academic success. 4. Provide information regarding General Education and University requirements, policies & procedures when possible. 5. Help the student plan appropriate steps to correct academic difficulties. 6. Maintain accurate and complete advising records. 7. If needed, refer the student to appropriate campus resources. Expected Student Learning Outcomes 1. Students will understand their personal responsibility for their own academic, personal, and professional success. 2. Students will have an awareness of how to utilize the necessary information, resources, and available options to make sound educational and lifelong decisions. 3. Students will understand what they need to do to achieve their desired goals. Key Considerations for Academic Success 1. Go to class every day and get to know your professors. 2. Understand the policies, procedures, and impact academically and financially for dropping classes within or beyond the no record drop period. 3. Balance school with other areas of your life. Plan and devote enough study time to do as well as you can in your classes. 4. Have good study habits and get academic assistance early if needed. 5. Always confirm information given by fellow students with your advisor or department staff before incorporating it into your academic plan. Advising and University Resources For information regarding other campus advising resources, including the University Academic Advisement Center, go to the UAAC website: www.calstatela.edu/univ/advise. The UAAC can be particularly helpful in dealing with undergraduate General Education requirement and articulation issues. 7/1/2016