• Statement of Philosophy
• Your Role in the Advisement Process
• Frequently Asked Advisement Questions
• Critical Contact Times
• Responsibilities of Academic Departments
• First Year Studies (FYRST) Advising Program
• Transfer Student Advisement
• Special/Transient Students
• Post-Baccalaureate Studies
• Visiting Student Program
• Exploratory Program
• Declaring a Major
• Majors and Careers
• Making Your Own Unique Combination

Academic Advising is an important part of Slippery Rock University's commitment to helping students attain their educational goals.  Academic Advisors provide information regarding degree programs, courses, resources, university policies/procedures, and may facilitate the students' search for career information and opportunities.

At Slippery Rock, the faculty provides academic advisement services to the students.  The advisor (faculty member) helps the student coordinate his/her academic plan, and can assist in helping the student to solve academically related concerns, either through providing advice and direction or through referral to other individuals and campus resources.  Both the advisee and the advisor share the responsibility of being active participants in the advisement process.

The success of the academic advising process hinges on the extent to which both students and faculty meet their individual responsibilities.  Faculty must be prepared to offer students accurate and timely information and advice, and students must be prepared to use the information and advice in ways that will help them establish and meet their own educational goals.

The foundation of the advising process is the relationship between the advisor and the student.  The advisee should try to maintain regular contact with his/her advisor in order to foster a comfortable and honest relationship.  By meeting with the advisor regularly, students will be better able to...

• become well informed about policies and procedures, curricular options, and academic program requirements;
• define their education objectives;
• plan a program of study that incorporates their interests, abilities, and career goals;
• make full use of the facilities and resources available at Slippery Rock University

Student responsibilities in advising include:

• discussing your long-range goals with your advisor, including possible job opportunities
• discussing your choice of a major with the advisor
• making final decisions about choices concerning academic matters
• being able to ask intelligent questions about your degree program
• keeping your advisor informed about things like schedule changes, academic problems, change of major, etc.
• making regular appointments with your advisor
• preparing in advance for every meeting with your advisor, including having possible course options outlined for registration advising
• keeping advising appointments and being on time
• gathering all decision-making information
• following through on referrals
• asking questions when you don't understand
• knowing who your advisor is

Although the academic advisor may assist the student with decisions throughout his/her academic career, the student is responsible for making final decisions regarding personal and educational goals. Students are ultimately responsible for satisfying all graduation requirements, so it is vital that they take an active role in their academic planning.  Faculty advisors are willing and able to facilitate that planning, but completing the necessary steps is up to the student.

The most important thing to remember is that you are responsible for your decisions and academic choices.