NYSTAA ADVISING GUIDELINES

These are the guidelines for advising transfer students from the policy manual of the transfer association of which Wells College is a member. They are good guidelines for all advising. There are three sections: Advisor Responsibilities, Transfer Student Responsibilities, Responsibilities of the Institution.

ADVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Good academic advising involves helping transfer students define and develop realistic goals and successfully matching individual needs with available institutional resources. The following are suggested responsibilities of the academic advisor:

Know each student well enough to be aware of individual academic, educational, or special needs and how these needs affect the student’s educational career goals.

Be available to students on a regular basis and maintain a schedule of office hours for advising appointments.

Help transfer students obtain maximum benefit from their educational experience by helping them understand the opportunities offered by the institution.

            Maintain complete and accurate records for all advisees.

Provide assistance to transfer students in the exploration of educational options and the planning of an optimal academic program.

            Encourage personal and academic self-sufficiency and self-confidence in each student.

Know and understand the institution’s degree requirements, prerequisites, resources, and policies.

            Refer students to campus resources and services to meet their individual needs.

            Attempt to understand transfer students’ concerns from the student’s point of view.

            Evaluate the effectiveness of the advising process on a continual basis.

            Serve as a student advocate when necessary.

Be sensitive to the diversity of transfer students recognizing the individual issues they bring to campus.

TRANSFER STUDENT RESPONSIBILIES

Transfer students share responsibility for the success of the advisement process. In order to do this effectively, the student should:

            Take initiative in seeking advisement and developing a relationship with their advisor.

Become familiar with the institution’s advising services, career development center, student services office, and other campus resources.

            Be prepared; obtain necessary forms, applications and other relevant materials.

Request current information on academic policies, procedures, requirements and deadlines. Read the catalog.

            Accept responsibility for academic choices.

            Develop academic, career, and personal goals

            Seek help and guidance from an advisor when needed.

See that official academic records from other colleges/universities are sent and received for evaluation.

            Verify that evaluations of transfer credit are complete and accurate.

Consult with an advisor before changing majors, transferring to another college, or withdrawing from the institution.

Maintain copies of degree plans, progress reports, general education evaluations, transfer credit evaluations, and other documents.

Discuss career opportunities and options with an advisor knowledgeable in that specific area.

            Follow through with the appropriate action after each advising session.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE INSTITUTION

Transfer and transfer-related issues are important components of academic advising at both two-and four-year institutions. The manner in which colleges and universities handle and deliver advisement services will vary with the special needs of their students and programs. The following guidelines are suggested for meeting the needs and expectations of transfer students:

Provide students, faculty, academic advisors, and administrators with information concerning the college’s programs, policies, procedures, and services.

            Coordinate the delivery of advisement services to transfer students.

Formulate and administer academic advising programs to meet the diverse needs of students.

            Maintain individual student records, including transfer credit evaluations.

Develop, update and disseminate academic advising materials and forms to academic advisors.

            Conduct training sessions and workshops for faculty and academic advisors.

            Review, evaluate and revise advisement programs and services on a regular basis.

 This page (NYSTAA Advising Guidelines) is maintained by Diane Koester, Associate Dean for Academic and Learning Resources and Director of Academic Advising, who is solely responsible for its content. Please see our Statement of Responsibility. Last updated Fall 1999.

Return to Advising at Wells College (top-level page on advising).