Advising Experience/Responsibilities
The purpose of academic advising at SIUE is to guide students in formulating educational plans and to assist students in achieving their academic, career-related and personal goals at the University. Advising at SIUE is viewed as an educational process characterized by shared responsibility.
Honors advising is no different. In your first semester at SIUE, we work with you to understand the basics of your major, of self-determination and of the honors curriculum. We structure each advising appointment to explore certain questions relevant to your time in school, ensure that you are making progress in your degree requirements and have a better understanding of your next educational steps.
Responsibilities
As a shared exercise, advisors and students must work together in order for the advising session to be as useful and engaging as possible. What we outline here is what you can expect from your honors advisor(s), as well as what we expect from you.
Student Responsibilities
We want you to not only be engaged in your education, but to be the driver. You may not always know the right questions or the answers to those questions, but as long as you are engaged in the process, by exploring on your own, asking questions, and following up on our advice, you will be prepared to be an informed, proactive student.
As honors students, you agree to:
- Schedule your appointment with both your honors advisor and your primary major/secondary advisor early in the semester and before the start of priority registration
- Give thoughtful consideration to your academic interests, career goals and desired outcomes, and review points of strength, concerns, or potential questions prior to your appointment
- Complete the appropriate pre-advising work (outlined under each semester of academics)
- Be informed about the details of our major or program of interest, and review those details, including exploring requirements and prerequisite courses
- Be ready to participate in advising by engaging in conversation, answering questions honestly and preparing questions in advance
- Understand that our conversations might include difficult or uncomfortable points, including changing majors, improving grades, or making different plans for your education
- Be on time for and attend your appointment, as missed appointments may impact our ability to see all students entitled to advising in the appropriate time frame
Advisor Responsibilities
The role of any advisor is to guide you through your semesters at SIUE and help you understand the decisions that will allow you to make timely progress toward graduation. We cannot (and we will not) simply tell you what to take. What we will do is help you understand the requirements for graduation and your major, discuss academic majors that meet your interests and long-term goals, and help you understand the various policies and procedures that impact your academic choices at SIUE.
As honors advisors, we agree to:
- Solicit your questions, input and feedback
- Help you understand the purpose of liberal education and how the University Honors Program supports a rich and meaningful exploration of the world
- Explain the requirements for majors, classes and programs, and help you understand the relationship between different classes and your long-term plans
- Provide accurate and timely information and interpretation of University rules and policies
- Assist you in planning a major/program that is consistent with your interests and abilities, while providing advice and options you may not have previously considered
- Link you with resources on campus and in the area in order to help you succeed academically and personally
- Provide assistance in helping you understand the other parts of the University, including housing, financial aid, etc.
- Engage with heart and understanding
