Advising Contacts Advising Appointments An important factor in the advising process is having academic advisors that care about their students. Students are more likely to value the information and follow the advice given to them when they recognize the advisor's genuine interest and concern and are confident of the accuracy of the advising provided. The following information should help to build an open and friendly environment and a trusting relationship between advisee and advisor. Preparation 1. Be familiar with the following:   •   the online USA Advising Manual   •   the Bulletin   •   the Schedule of Classes   •   the departmental handbook (if applicable)   •   the program curriculum sheet or CAPP compliance report (degree audit) 2. Follow your departmental practice for scheduling appointments:   •   posting sign-up sheets   •   making appointments through a secretary   The Advising Appointment • Allow adequate time. • Review your advisee's academic record and progress toward meeting core, major and minor requirements. Check the advisee's hours earned and take into account any inapplicable hours such as developmental studies, ESL, or multiple repeats. Review progress toward graduation. • Discuss courses for the upcoming semester. Listen carefully to your advisee's plans. Make recommendations, point out prerequisites and offer alternatives. • Ask your advisee about any academic problems that may be occurring. Know how to refer students. • Discuss your advisee's plans for graduate/professional school or beginning a career. Be familiar with the offerings of Career Services. Follow-up • Create a folder for each advisee. • Keep copies of all forms and records such as:   • schedule of current courses   • transfer credit evaluation   • program curriculum sheet or CAPP degree audit   • cumulative grade report   These should be updated at the end or beginning of each semester. • Allow time during and after the registration period for advisees to talk with you if they had difficulty registering for classes or alternates you had recommended. • Make sure your advisees know your regularly scheduled office hours. Problems may occur throughout the semester. • Keep a record of your contacts with the student indicating information exchanged or a summary of the discussion; this should include copies of e-mail exchanges.   The First Advising Appointment The first meeting with a student should focus on getting to know the student and discussing your role as an advisor. The following questions can be used to obtain information and build rapport: • What high school did you graduate from? Can you tell me how well you think your high school prepared you for the challenges at South Alabama? • Where do you live at USA? What is your local address, phone number and e-mail address to put in my file? • Where are you in your math sequence? Have you thought about your social sciences and humanities electives? • Have you taken any courses within your major yet? How are they going? • Is there a specific aspect of your major that particularly interests you? • What led you to choose this major? • Are you involved in extracurricular activities? Do you work? • Have you received any scholarships? If so, what is required for you to keep those scholarships? • What are your goals after graduation? Job? Graduate/professional school? • What do you expect from me as an advisor?   Future Advising Appointments Future meetings with advisees should attempt to make life at USA as productive and trouble free as possible. You should be ready to work with the students to solve problems and to make sure that the students' academic choices correspond with their career goals. Listed below are some sample questions for subsequent meetings: • How are you enjoying life at USA? Do you know where to get help if you encounter problems? • How is each of your classes going? Are you aware of tutoring services or Supplemental Instruction sessions? • In which academic areas do you still need to take courses before graduation? • In which student activities and professional organizations are you currently involved? Do you know where you can find out more information about campus activities? Are you aware that there is a departmental professional organization? • When do you plan to graduate? • Have you met with Career Services for help with resume writing and interview skills? As an advisor, you should limit your questions and discussions to academic and career issues. However, you should be prepared to deal with any personal questions or problems that may arise and deal with them accordingly. This most often means referring the student to the appropriate office on campus.