Academic Advising

I. REASON FOR THIS POLICY

This policy outlines the responsibility of Dakota State University to provide academic advising to its undergraduate students as an integral part of a student’s personalized education and faculty teaching expectations. Academic advising is an ongoing process that not only provides assistance to students in selecting and scheduling courses but also guides them through the processes of the university in preparation for completion of a credential and career/life success.

II. DEFINITIONS

1. Formal Advising. Providing sensitive, knowledgeable, and skilled guidance to enhance the relationship between the student and the university and to help the student achieve his/her academic goals.
2. Informal Advising. Providing sensitive, considerate, and caring guidance to enhance a student's experiences at the university and to help a student achieve his/her academic/personal goals.
3. Faculty Advisor. A full-time member of academic staff trained to formally assist students with course sequencing, policies, procedures, and overall academic planning for a degree program and assigned to a student following his/her first year.
4. Faculty Resource Advisor. A faculty member trained to engage and mentor students in monitoring degree progress, internship opportunities, and career/graduate school plans once they have enrolled in a program after new student registration in the first or second year.
5. Professional Advisor. A trained staff member assigned to assist students within a specific college to access the supports/services (e.g., tutoring, counseling, housing, financial aid, mental health) they need for successful completion of a degree program and personal well-being.

III. STATEMENT OF POLICY

1. Focus. The university’s advising services shall, but are not limited to, focus on the following areas:
   1. Enhance students’ transition from high school, another college/university, military assignment, or other life experience.
   2. Assist students in the development of meaningful educational plans compatible with their life goals.
   3. Empower students to accept responsibility for their own education.
   4. Monitor student progress toward educational goals.
   5. Provide outreach for students who are at risk of not meeting educational goals.
2. Assignment of Academic Advisors. The dean of each college shall assign undergraduate students an academic advisor.
3. Frequency of Academic Advising. Advisors shall meet with students at least once a semester.
4. Advisor Training/Supports. The university shall provide training and supports for academic advisors.

Exclusions
This policy does not apply to graduate students.

Exceptions
NA

IV PROCEDURES (MAJOR)

Procedures for academic advising are outlined in the Faculty Handbook.

V. RELATED DOCUMENTS, FORMS, AND TOOLS

Academic Support and Advising
https://dsu.edu/academics/academic-support-advising/index.html

Academic Advising
https://dsu.edu/academics/academic-support-advising/academic-advising.html

VI. POLICY HISTORY

ORIGINALLY ISSUED: 08/25/1986
REVISED: 07/12/2006
LAST REVISION: 06/28/2021