Academic advisors are an important resource in guiding students through their academic careers. Academic advising at Michigan Tech is delivered by faculty and staff advisors in academic departments. Academic support for first-year students is also provided by the Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success.
The Associate Provost has oversight for academic advising and is advised by the Advising Council. The Council coordinates efforts among academic advisors to promote effectiveness and efficiency of advising and support Michigan Tech's educational goals and student-learning objectives. Advising workshops and assessment of academic advising are conducted to maintain the quality of academic advising.
The Registrar's Office, Dean of Students Office, and Waino Wahtera Center provide information and resources online for academic advising.
Academic Advising Mission
Assist students in successfully developing and realizing an educational plan that prepares students to create the future.
Academic Advising Vision
Develop an academic advising system that integrates informational, developmental and career advising to promote student learning and success.
Academic Advising Value Statement
Academic advising reflects Michigan Tech’s commitment to student learning, persistence and success by supporting and facilitating intentional connections between students and Michigan Tech’s resources.
Expectations for Academic Advisors
The relationship between an academic advisor and advisee is one of shared responsibility. The student is ultimately responsible for the choices he/she makes in college, but Michigan Tech knows that in order to make informed decisions, students need the assistance of academic advisors and others in the University community in order to realize their full potential. An academic advisor is the primary resource regarding academic issues, opportunities, and programs and could be thought of as the coordinator of a student’s educational experiences.
Academic advisors assist students in:
- Developing meaningful educational plans that satisfy degree requirements
- Selecting appropriate courses.
- Understanding how to take advantage of special opportunities like internships, the co-op program, study abroad, Enterprise program, certificate programs, etc.
- Understanding the implications of student choices, academic performance and academic standing.
- Identifying University resources and services (Career Services, Counseling and Wellness Services, Learning Centers, Disability Services).
- Interpreting University requirements, policies, regulations, and procedures
- Developing their decision-making skills and self-direction.
- Clarifying and evaluating progress toward life and career goals.
Academic advisors are expected to:
- Stay current with academic requirements and policies and University information and changes.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field of advising, by reviewing materials from NACADA (newsletters, website, journal) and attending training programs and other professional development opportunities.
- Keep regular office hours and be adequately available to meet with advisees.
- Be a responsive listener and to refer students to appropriate support services within the institution when needed.
- Have an awareness of any role conflicts or biases that may interfere with providing the best assistance to advisees.
- Work cooperatively with the university community to assure student success.