Department of Family Studies and Community Development
Advising
The Towson University Academic Advising Program addresses the importance of academic advising across all four years in a strategic and progressive manner. The program is designed to meet students’ needs at different stages of their Towson experience. From the first year through graduation, each year has a different focal point: transition, focus, engagement, and commencement.
In keeping with the spirit of Towson’s academic advising initiative, The Department of Family Studies and Community Development has developed an advising program that reflects the specific requirements of their majors. Advisers work with students to assist them in developing a course plan and successfully completing that plan.
Students new to the department meet with the department chairperson. This first appointment serves to introduce the student to the department and develop a course plan for the completion of undergraduate degree requirements. Following the initial meeting, each student is assigned to a faculty adviser and must meet individually with their assigned adviser AT LEAST once each semester in order to stay on track toward graduation, receive permits for required courses, and have university advising holds lifted. All advisers have set aside times during the week to address questions and concerns, or simply to check in and review progress and plans.
Each academic year, the University publishes an Academic Advising Handbook which contains helpful information for students and faculty advisers. If you have advising questions, some might be answered by referencing the handbook.
1) Family studies students are expected to familiarize themselves with the Undergraduate Catalog and to satisfy all published degree and major requirements. While students will receive assistance from their faculty adviser, they must also assume responsibility for completing all published requirements for graduation.
2) To accomplish the goal of graduating, students should review their "Degree Progress Report" document at the beginning of each semester and prior to meeting with their adviser.
3) If any changes occur to a student's academic course plan after meeting with their adviser, the student should inform the adviser so course plan adjustments can be made.
4) Some family studies courses require special permits. These are usually given out by the faculty advisers, unless there is a special circumstance that requires the assistance of the department chairperson. Permits allow students to advance in their course plans, which is why it is important for students to meet with their adviser every semester.
5) It is important for students to keep advising appointments and to contact their adviser if cancellation is necessary.
6) Students should maintain communication with their adviser. If any questions or issues arise, students should contact their adviser immediately so the situation can be handled. Delaying this process can create complications and may impede graduation.
Important: Students must use their Towson University e-mail account to receive important information from their advisers, faculty, and the department staff. The faculty and staff, in the department, will send correspondence ONLY to the TU account.
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