college of education

Statement on Academic Advising Rights and Responsibilities*

Indiana State University is committed to providing quality advising. Academic advising is an integral part of the educational process.  The primary purpose of academic advising is to assist students in the development of meaningful educational plans compatible with the attainment of their life goals.

Effective advising is characterized by a good working relationship between the advisor and the student, which adapts to the experiences and changing needs of the student. Quality advising also requires understanding, affirming, and respecting the individual differences within the University community. The advisor is expected to develop the knowledge, experience, and interest for successfully communicating with students in a genuine, sincere, accurate, and confidential manner. The student is expected to understand University and program requirements and accept the responsibility for fulfilling them. Together the advisor and the student are expected to maintain a professional and mutually respectful relationship as they review the student’s progress toward the attainment of educational objectives.

Accurate advising is an interactive process in which both the student and the advisor share the responsibility. The advisor serves as a facilitator of communication, as a source of accurate information, as a coordinator of academic planning, as an assistant in helping the student to solve academically related problems, and as an agent of referral to other professionals and campus resources.

Responsibilities of the Undergraduate Student

The student must accept the idea of a university education. To have a successful educational experience requires developing a commitment to the advisement process that entails:

  1. Being knowledgeable about the academic policies, procedures, and requirements (including graduation requirements) of:

    1. the University

    2. the College or school

    3. students’ program major(s)

    4. students’ program minor(s)

    5. the General Education Program

  2. Planning the academic program to meet degree requirements.

  3. Maintaining personal copies of a tentative degree plan, progress reports, general education evaluations, transfer credit evaluations, and other important University documents.

  4. Knowing the name and office location of the academic advisor, and actively participating in the advising and scheduling process by consulting with that person.

  5. Taking advantage of the information and advice provided.

  6. Seeking and reviewing relevant information for decision-making.

  7. Developing social, academic, and career goals, and examining how these goals will affect the students’ lives.

  8. Understanding that the student must accept final responsibility for decisions regarding personal goals and educational goals, and satisfying graduation requirements.

Responsibilities of the Undergraduate Advisor

Inherent in the advisement process is the need to help the student understand the nature of the University and a university education.  Given the above, the advisor must:

  1. Have a thorough understanding of:

    1. the General Education Program

    2. institutional requirements

    3. course sequences and major and minor requirements, and, if appropriate,

    4. teacher education requirements of advisees.

  2. Know University and College/school policies and procedures.

  3. Be available to students by maintaining adequate office hours and appointment times that are reasonable to accommodate students’ needs.

  4. Be sensitive to the unique needs of individual students.

  5. Discuss linkages between academic preparation, the world-of-work, and life goals.

  6. Provide the student with information about alternatives, limitations, and possible consequences of academic decisions.

  7. Monitor student advisees’ progress toward educational/career goals through the maintenance of accurate student records.

  8. Refer students to appropriate resources for needed assistance and serve as ombudsperson (advocate) for advisees.

  9. Participate in professional development activities related to academic advisement.

  10. Exhibit the professional rapport necessary to maintain congenial relationships with advisees and for maintaining a positive, constructive attitude toward advising in general.

Responsibilities of the University Administration

Effective advising is contingent upon adequate staffing, facilities, and resources including sufficient course offerings.  Given the above, the administration should:

  1. Ensure that facilities and personnel resources are adequate for effective advising.

  2. Provide professional orientation, continuing education, and evaluation for advisors.

  3. Provide adequate incentives, compensation, and recognition for advisors.

  4. Ensure that administrative offices respond promptly to advisement inquires.

  5. Ensure that administrative offices provide current information.

*This document was approved by the Student Government Association on  March 20, 1996, and by the Faculty Senate on April 25, 1996.