Weber State University

Department of Health Promotion and Human Performance

Syllabus: Academic Advising

Fall 2005

 

Advisement Coordinator: Sherrie Jensen

 

Office:                  Wasatch Hall, Room 102

 

Mailing Address:    Sherrie Jensen, Advisement Coordinator

                              Dept of Health Promotion and Human Performance

                              Jerry and Vickie Moyes College of Education    

Weber State University

2801 University Circle

Ogden UT  84408-2801

 

Phone Numbers:    (801) 626-7425 Office

                              (801) 626-6228 Fax

                              (801) 540-9453 Cell

 

E-Mail:                   sjensen3@weber.edu

 

Office Hours:         By appointment, (the advisement coordinator’s schedule is posted by the office door so that students may sign-up for appointments as needed.)

 

Resources:            Weber State University Catalog

                              WSU & HPHP Department Websites

                              HPHP Department Brochure and Major/Minor Flyers

                              HPHP Student Resource Room, Wasatch Hall Room 101

 

Academic Advising Description: Academic advising is an educational process that, by intention and design, facilitates students’ understanding of the meaning and purpose of higher education and fosters their intellectual and personal development toward academic success and lifelong learning. (NACADA, 2004)

 

Remaining consistent with the mission statement that, “Weber State University provides . . . programs designed to prepare students for immediate employment or further study, at the same time equipping them through liberal education for lifelong learning in a changing world.  The process of learning is emphasized, as well as accumulation of knowledge. . . . Extensive personal contact and support among students, faculty, and staff create an enriched learning environment both in and out of the classroom. . . ”   academic advising provides students with an opportunity to build a relationship with their advisor for the purpose of planning their educational career; learn how to access campus resources and services available to them; and, empower them to “claim their education”.

 

Academic advising is a collaborative educational process whereby students and their advisors are partners in meeting the essential learning outcomes, ensuring student academic success, and outlining the steps for achievement of the students’ personal, academic, and career goals. This advisor/student partnership requires participation and involvement of both the advisor and the student as it is built over the student’s entire educational experience at the university.  Both the student and the advisor have clear responsibilities for ensuring that the advising partnership is successful.

 

Objectives for the Advising Experience: Through the academic advising experiences at Weber State University students will:

 

  • Demonstrate the ability to make effective decisions concerning their degree and career goals.
  • Develop an educational plan for successfully achieving their goals and select courses each semester to progress toward fulfilling that educational plan.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the value of higher education.
  • Utilize the resources and services on campus to assist them in achieving their academic, personal, and career goals.
  • Be able to accurately read and effectively utilize a degree evaluation (previously referred to as a graduation evaluation) in their educational planning.
  • Graduate in a timely manner based on their educational plan.

 

Advisor Responsibilities: You can expect me, as your advisor, to:

 

  • Understand and effectively communicate the curriculum, graduation requirements and University policies and procedures.
  • Assist students in understanding the purposes and goals of higher education and its effects on their lives and personal goals.
  • Encourage and guide students as they define realistic academic goals.
  • Support students as they acquire the skills to develop clear and attainable educational plans.
  • Provide students with information about and strategies for utilizing the available resources and services on campus.
  • Monitor and accurately document discussions regarding the student’s progress toward meeting their goals.
  • Maintain the level of confidentiality provided by the Buckley Amendment (FERPA).
  • Assist students in gaining decision making skills and skills in assuming responsibility for their educational plans and achievements.
  • Promote and encourage students to develop productive working relationships with their professors.

 

Advisee Responsibilities: As an advisee, you have clear responsibilities in order for the advising partnership to be successful.  Among those responsibilities are the following:

 

  • Schedule regular appointments or make regular contacts with your advisor each semester.
  • Come prepared to each appointment with questions or materials for discussion; be an active learner by participating fully in the advising experience.
  • Ask questions when you do not understand an issue or have a specific concern.
  • Keep a personal record of your progress toward meeting your goals.  Organize official documents (academic records, communications from professors or the advisement coordinator—including emails, letters, and/or phone calls) in a way that enables you to access them when needed.
  • Clarify personal values and goals and provide your advisor with accurate information regarding your interests and abilities.
  • Become knowledgeable about University programs, policies and procedures.
  • Accept responsibility for your decisions.
  • Respond to official notification from the advisement coordinator (letters, emails, phone contacts, etc.) in a timely manner.
  • Maintain effective working relationships with advisors, faculty and administrators.

 

As a vital member of Weber State University’s community of scholars you are implicitly engaged in a mutual working relationship with faculty, staff, administrators and fellow students.  Your commitment to the advising process is essential as you progress in your pursuit of academic excellence.