Academic Success & Advising
Advising Expectations
Advising Expectations
Academic advising is the process by which faculty advisors act as professional experts to guide students in academically-centered discovery for the purpose of degree completion.
Academic advisors take time to know students, including life experiences, goals, career plans, acquired study skills, academic abilities, personality traits, and other individual attributes. At some appointments, advisors will assign the student worksheets, readings, or tasks to accompany the current topic, or to prepare for a new topic. Students should thoughtfully consider these assignments prior to the next scheduled appointment.
Academic advisors will not make decisions for students. Advisors will provide students with the most accurate information available. Advisors and students will work together to create a realistic plan to accomplish educational and career goals. However, the educational choices students make are theirs and the responsibility for knowing and fulfilling degree requirements rests with the student.
Advisor Responsibilities
- Communicate the university’s curriculum, requirements, policies, and procedures.
- Encourage and guide students to define and develop realistic educational goals.
- Assist students with planning programs consistent with their abilities and interests.
- Listen carefully to questions, concerns, and confusions.
- Match students’ needs with available resources and make referrals.
- Monitor students’ progress.
- Discuss the relationship between academic preparation and the work world.
Student Responsibilities
- Become knowledgeable about college programs, policies, and procedures.
- Clarify personal values and goals.
- Participate proactively in the decision-making process.
- Prepare a list of questions or concerns before each advising appointment.
- Follow through on suggested actions, resources, or referrals.
- Keep a personal record of academic progress.
- Accept responsibility for academic decisions and performance.
- Actively seek to develop the NNU Values: Transformation, Truth, Community & Service.