YOUR ROLE IN THE ADVISEMENT PROCESS

Slippery Rock University is committed to providing quality advising services to students in all academic programs.  However, attaining this goal requires that the student understand his/her role in the advising process.

SOME GENERAL THOUGHTS ON STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY

One of the roles of an academic advisor is to help you assume responsibility for your actions.  Students come to advisors at varying states of development.

You may:

• appear mature and sophisticated but actually be very unsure of yourself in new situations such as college.
• want to become dependent on your advisor and expect him/her to do things for you that you should do for yourself.
• be able to handle your own responsibilities.

As you and your advisor develop a relationship based on honest communication, he/she will become aware of the level of connection, attention, and information you need.

General Responsibilities Include:

• developing and clarifying values and goals
• becoming familiar with campus resources
• knowing about degree requirements
• finding the catalog on the SRU website (Home> Academics) and being familiar with it
• understanding the information in the class schedule
• monitoring progress toward a degree
• following departmental or school requirements
• keeping copies of relevant academic records
• knowing about University policies, procedures and requirements
• keeping copies of schedule transactions, including registration records and withdrawal forms, and correspondence
• seeking out-of-class activities relevant to their major
• abiding by published deadlines
• meeting course prerequisites
• registering and obtaining appropriate signatures on forms
• providing Admissions with official transcripts of coursework taken at other institutions
• applying for a degree within specified deadlines

Role/Responsibility of the Advisee----You!

• Recognize that you are ultimately responsible for all your academic choices.
• Take personal responsibility for the evaluation of your progress toward meeting the objectives set by the University.
• Formulate social and academic goals in order to optimize life and career choices.
• Become acquainted with the resources at Slippery Rock University, such as Career Services, Academic Services, computer labs, the Writing Center, Bailey Library, and your designated advisor.
• Become familiar with academic policies, procedures, and requirements by using the designated College Catalog and Academic Advisement Handbook (Home> Academics), current Master Semester Schedule, and the progress sheet(s) from your designated majors.
• Know the graduation requirements for your chosen program in order to monitor your personal progress toward completion of a degree.
• Maintain accurate and current academic records, such as copies of grade reports, add/drop transactions, major progress sheets, transfer credit evaluations, and correspondence from beginning to completion of degree program.
• Know your advisor.  Initiate contact with your advisor and seek help on a regular basis when needed.
• Prepare, in advance, for every meeting with the academic advisor, and bring to each meeting the necessary supporting materials such as the Liberal Studies Guide and Program Progress Sheets (and if registering, a tentative schedule).