About Advising

What is Academic Advising at Fredonia?

• Academic advising is a developmental process which assists students in the clarification of their life/career goals and in the development of educational plans for the realization of these goals.
• It is a decision-making process by which students realize their maximum educational potential through communication and information exchanges with an advisor; it is ongoing, multifaceted, and the responsibility of both student and advisor.
• The advisor serves as a facilitator of communication, a coordinator of learning experiences through course and career planning and academic progress review, and an agent of referral to other campus agencies as necessary

Advising Goals:

The goal of academic advising at the Fredonia is to assist each student in developing and implementing an academic plan designed to meet his/her educational, career and life goals. The advising process is one of shared responsibilities between students and advisors.

Advising Purpose & Responsibilities:

Academic Advising is the mechanism by which advising is provided to students. It may vary by academic unit. However, it is the responsibility of faculty and staff who serve as advisors to:

1. Be knowledgeable about the curriculum requirements and changes for the program(s) for which they advise
2. Assist students in selecting appropriate classes and developing an academic plan that meets degree requirements
3. Assist students in linking program requirements with relevant career and other post-graduation opportunities
4. Be familiar with campus resources and make appropriate referrals when necessary
5. Support the achievement of campus-wide goals for increasing graduation and retention rates
6. Clarify and provide accurate and timely information about university policies, regulations and procedures
7. Be available and accessible to student advisees on a regular basis, whether it be in-person or via e-mail.
8. Maintain student confidentiality in accordance with FERPA
9. Be proficient in the use of the university's student information system/computerized advising tools relevant to the advising process.
10. Have the student's best interest at heart.
11. Have a willingness to help and provide quality service to advisees

It is the student's responsibility to:

1. Seek advising assistance in a timely manner
2. Come to advising appointments prepared
3. Become knowledgeable about Fredonia and their departmental program's requirements associated with his/her major(s) or minor(s) as well as relevant policies and procedures
4. Take the initiative to become familiar with and utilize available campus resources
5. Keep his/her advisor informed of any changes that might impact or interfere with satisfactory academic progress
6. Take responsibility for his/her actions and decisions

The role of an academic advisor is to assist, not make decisions for students.