Cross-Campus Advising

Advising Syllabus 2009-2010

"Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?"

"That depends a good deal on where you want to get to."

(Alice in Wonderland, Chapter VI, P 64; Carroll, 1960)

Cross-Campus Advising Purpose:

Cross-Campus Advising is intended to assist and streamline processes that students encounter when they explore majors, seek connection within a college, or need assistance navigating administrative procedures. Our role is to facilitate students moving between colleges to complete a program of study leading to an academic goal. Cross-Campus Advising collaborates with college and career advisors. Cross-Campus Advisors connect students, person to person, to other supportive personnel at New Mexico State University.

Expectations of Advisors:

• Understand NMSU degree requirements, and effectively communicate them
• Provide a safe space in which to share your thoughts, aspirations, concerns, and interests
• Provide resources and referrals when necessary
• Listen carefully to your questions, concerns, and confusions
• Maintain confidentiality
• Encourage and support you as you gain the skills and knowledge necessary for success
• Assist you in making course and major decisions
• Collaborate and cooperate with other office and service personnel on campus to provide the best possible service

Expectations of Students:

• Schedule regular appointments and/or contacts during each semester
• Come to appointments prepared with questions and/or concerns to discuss
• Learn academic program requirements
• Utilize available resources, including those that are web-based, to monitor academic progress
• Keep a record of your academic progress and goals
• Accept responsibility for actions and decisions that affect academic progress

Additional Student Success Center- Zuhl Resources:

• Computer Lab
• Free Tutoring Service
• Information on various resources offered at NMSU

2009-2010 Advising Calendar

Objectives and Expected Student Learning Outcomes of Academic Advising

Expected Student Learning Outcomes:

• Students will utilize NMSU resources to assist them in establishing their academic goals.
• Students will be able to accurately interpret program requirements and degree audit materials in order to make appropriate course selections.
• Students will demonstrate effective decision-making concerning their degree and career goals.
• Students will learn how to run a degree audit using Banner
• Students will identify educational and career goals.
• Students will develop a comprehensive plan for achieving their educational goals.
• Students will understand the importance of including experiences outside of the classroom in educational plans.

Key Considerations For Academic Success:

• Go to class everyday
• Get to know your professors
• Balance school with the rest of your life
• Plan enough study time to do well in your classes
• Have good study habits and get academic assistance early if needed
• Take advantage of the academic resources available to you!

Below is a list of broad issues each student will grapple with during their college career. Discuss ways you can achieve positive outcomes with your academic and/or career advisor.

First Year

• Explore your academic and career interests
• Explore interpersonal factors (interests, personality) related to academic and career goals
• Make sound decisions regarding campus choices
• Use multiple resources to maximize your undergraduate experience (advisors, student organizations, study groups, volunteering, electives, etc.)
• Learn how to use the Undergraduate Catalog; either book or online
• Get to know at least one academic advisor you can contact for advising as needed or required
• Clarify your personal values, especially as they relate to academic and career choices
• Assess your skills and strengths

Second Year

• Consider narrowing your interests or studying one of them in more depth
• Meet with an advisor in the major(s) that you're considering
• Continue assessing your skills, strengths, and interests
• Learn how to run a degree audit using Banner self service
• Explore connections between your interests and strengths and strengths and potential careers
• Arrange for experiences that will help you clarify your goals and interests, including part-time employment, meeting with faculty and staff, shadowing a professional in a field of interest to you, studying abroad, volunteering, or applying for internships

Third Year

• Make decisions–it's a lifelong skill!
• Discover how your interests and skills apply to the world of work
• Research multiple career options to find the best fit
• Network with at least three people who work in the field of interest to you
• Identify education and/or additional skills you'll need to attain employment or training in your field (is grad school for you?)
• Be able to articulate what you're studying and why

Fourth Year

• Research employment or grad school options and start applying
• Understand skills employers and grad schools seek
• Be able to market your skills and education employers
• Continue networking
• Continue assessing your options
• File Degree application
• Approach Faculty for letters of recommendation