Advising Mission Statement

Advising is a developmental teaching process dedicated to each student's individual success. Advising in the Department of Teaching & Learning within the Phyllis J. Washington College of Education will work collaboratively with the campus community to assist students in developing and implementing individual plans in order to live, work, and learn as active members of a global society.

Advising Syllabus

I.      ADVISING DEFINITION

Advising is a comprehensive educational process whereby students, faculty, and advisors are partners in:

• providing encouragement and support;
• ensuring student academic success;
• identifying resources to help students achieve their personal, academic, and career goals;
• meeting essential learning outcomes; and
• engaging students throughout their entire experience at the College

II.      ADVISING MISSION

Advising is a developmental process based upon a teaching and learning process dedicated to student success.  Advising will work collaboratively with the campus community to assist students in developing and implementing individual plans in order to live, work, and learn as active members of a global society.

III.    ADVISING MATERIALS

• Online Catalog
• Student  Academic Planner
• Academic Calendar (http://www.umt.edu/provost/about/academiccalendar.aspx)
• Banner Web
• Placement Scores (Maplesoft, ACT, SAT, MUSWA, WPA)
• Unofficial Transcripts
• Student Policy Handbook

IV.    ADVISING OBJECTIVES

• Students will develop a comprehensive, individual academic plan
• Students will identify primary academic resources, tools, policies and procedures
• At UM-Missoula campus:
  • Students will work collaboratively with advisor to achieve academic goals

V.      ADVISING RESPONSIBILITIES

        Advisors will:

• Encourage and guide students to define and develop realistic educational goals
• Communicate the College’s degree requirements, policies, and procedures
• Listen carefully to questions, concerns, and confusions
• Monitor students’ progress
• Match students’ needs with available resources and make referrals
• Discuss student’s academic performances and its impact on their future goals
• Listen and respect students as individuals with unique needs, abilities, and interests
• Provide students with accurate information and follow-up if any questions are left unanswered
• Discuss the relationship between academic preparation and the work world

       Students will:

• Clarify personal values and goals
• Become knowledgeable about college programs, policies, and procedures
• Keep lines of communication open
• Keep a personal record of academic progress
• Follow through on suggested actions, resources, or referrals
• Accept responsibility for your academic decisions, performance and accept the challenge that college coursework provides
• Listen to and respect the advisor as a professional who has your best interest in mind
• Come prepared to meetings with questions and some initial research done about your areas of inquiry

VIII. PREPARING FOR YOUR ADVISING APPOINTMENT

• Be prepared to discuss course options, address academic problems or concerns, make decisions about the upcoming semester, and explore major/minor options
• Bring a list of questions you would like to discuss with your advisor 
• Discuss current semester progress in your courses 
  • Research degree requirements including pre and co-requisites
  • Make a list of potential courses for the next semester you are interested in taking
  • Develop and/or update your academic plan

IX.  CAMPUS RESOURCES

• Advisor Resources
• Office for Disability Equity
• Financial Aid
• Mansfield Library
• Office of Student Success
• Student Assault Resource Center (SARC)

X. OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT ALIGNMENT 

Student Performance Outcomes for Curriculum & Instruction

• Integration of Ideas:
  • Demonstrates knowledge of the disciplines and subject matter related to curriculum.
  • Designs interdisciplinary and discrete subject area instruction to achieve curriculum goals.
  • Uses appropriate technologies and resources to enhance instruction and student performance.
  • Engages students in learning activities that promote critical and creative thinking.
• Cooperative Endeavors:
  • Implements instructional and behavioral management strategies to promote a safe and positive learning environment.
  • Communicates clearly, accurately, and professionally with students and their families, colleagues, and community members.
• Respect for Diversity:
  • Selects and designs appropriate and authentic means of assessing student learning and progress.
  • Designs and organizes learning environments to accommodate learners.
  • Reflects on professional responsibilities and demonstrates a commitment to fairness and the ability of all to learn.

XI.    ADVISING CALENDAR