The six departments in the College of Fine Arts and Communication actively provide academic advising to undergraduate students based on the Intentional Advising model practiced throughout Towson University. The general information below is excerpted from the Handbook for Undergraduate Academic Advisers. Please check the department sites for specific information about the advising system, schedules and student requirements.
Intentional Advising Framework
General: Intentional academic advising is a systematic process that supports the student in his or her exploration and clarification of academic and professional goals. Academic advising is an integral part of the teaching/learning experience, which allows the student to work with advisers in a strategic planning process across all years at the university in a progressive fashion.
Specific:
1. Freshman/First-year – Transition
Adjustment
Engagement and social integration
Expand ideas about self and career opportunities
Learn about university policies, procedures and resources
Integrate academic achievement with career plans
2. Sophomore/Second year – Engagement
Retain – special assistance for those who need to declare a major, wish to change majors, must determine ways not to drop out or stop out
More involved in learning process and understanding of the curriculum
Integrate transfer students
Include discussions on service and volunteerism
Provide information on internships, practica, other independent learning opportunities
Begin mentoring role
3. Junior/Third year – Focus
Assess success toward established educational goals and graduation requirements
More concrete visualization of professional goals
Provide venues for research support, special experiences in the major, contacts with other members of the department, college and area communities
Graduation audit
4. Senior/Fourth year – Commencement
Capstone experiences in the major, with academic peers, and with outside organizations
Referral to job search services such as resume writing, interviewing, and assessing job opportunities
Preparation for graduate school
Transition and survival activities after graduation
The Role of the Student Advisee
The student advisee is ultimately responsible for all aspects of his/her academic experience, including choosing a major, enrolling in the correct general education and major courses, and being aware of current class status. The student advisee must also be knowledgeable about academic standards, the requirements of the core curriculum under which the student was accepted or changed, major/minor course requirements and prerequisites, and graduation requirements. The purpose of meeting with an adviser is to discuss academic and career goals while examining how best to meet those goals. Specifically, the role of the student in the academic advising process is to:
Establish and follow a plan for completing core curriculum and major/minor requirements in a timely manner;
Provide the adviser with academic goals, including internships, clinicals, and/or practica; extracurricular; and volunteer activities so that the student and the adviser can discuss how these goals fit together to meet the student’s overall aspirations and direction during college and after graduation.
Be informed of the degree requirements and prepare for advising meetings so that all questions and concerns are answered effectively.
Prepare and maintain a file of advising materials and records.
Inform the adviser of any changes to the academic plan and determine if those decisions change the course or timeline of the plan.
Check the degree audit information every semester and notify the adviser of any questions or concerns immediately.
Meet with adviser to complete the graduation application and final audit at least one semester before graduation.
The Role of the Academic Adviser
The primary goal of developmental advising is to enable our students to develop to their fullest potential as students in the university and to take responsibility for their academic and professional growth and planning. The role of the academic adviser is to:
Serve as role models and mentors for students.
Assist students in self-awareness and self-acceptance in their consideration of degree and career.
Assist students in exploring new ideas and directions as they choose general education courses, develop their major and determine professional goals.
Assist students in identifying resources that will clearly articulate their learning goals and determine the pathways to achieve them.
Assist students in evaluating and reevaluating their goals to keep them on track for graduation.
Assist students in creating a course schedule that best addresses their academic program and learning profile.
Assist students in adjusting to the culture of the university, academia, and the particular traditions within their disciplines.
Assist students in developing research, internship and service learning opportunities.
Assist students in exploring graduate school and post-graduation careers in their chosen field.
Make necessary referrals to other campus and community services as requested or needed.
Assist the department chair with projections of course offerings.
Academic Department Advising
Please check the individual department sites for specific information about the advising system, schedules and student requirements.
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The six departments in the College of Fine Arts and Communication actively provide academic advising to undergraduate students based on the Intentional Advising model practiced throughout Towson University. The general information below is excerpted from the Handbook for Undergraduate Academic Advisers. Please check the department sites for specific information about the advising system, schedules and student requirements.