Academic Advising

For Students - a resource for first time freshman students and general studies majors (undeclareds). 

For Advisors - a resource for first year (freshman) advisors and faculty advisors.   

Academic advising assists students to realize the maximum educational benefits available to them to better understand themselves and to learn to use the resources of an academic institution to meet their educational needs and aspirations. Arguably, academic advising is "perhaps the only opportunity for all students to develop a personal, consistent relationship with someone in the institution who cares about them" (Drake, 2011, p. 10).

Academic advising is a multifaceted activity. There are five dimensions that are significant to the advising process. They include exploration of personal goals, exploration of career goals, review of academic program, selection of courses, and scheduling of classes (O'Banion, 1972). More specifically, advising should assist students to realize the maximum educational benefits available to them by:

• Helping students to clarify their values and goals and to better understand themselves;
• Helping students to understand the nature and the purpose of higher education;
• Providing accurate information about educational options, requirements, policies and procedures;
• Planning an educational program consistent with a student's interests and abilities;
• Assisting students in the continual monitoring and evaluation of their educational progress;
• Integrating the resources of the institution to meet the student's special educational needs and aspirations. 

Mission

Academic advising is a critical component of the educational experience at Morgan State University. It is an intentional, collaborative, and ongoing partnership between students and the University. Through this partnership, we assist students in developing, implementing, and achieving their educational, personal, and career goals while ensuring student persistence and timely graduation. We pride ourselves on fostering an engaging learning and mentoring relationship which supports the mutual trust and respect of both parties.

Philosophy

Successful advising is an ongoing ever present activity where students develop a personal relationship with an advisor and develop into individuals who take responsibility for their own lifelong learning. Its goal is long-term, and is not confined to the selection of course selections for the next semester. Academic advising has two major components: technical knowledge concerning University requirements and procedures as well as career and life planning of an ongoing, individual nature. Academic Advising includes the following:

• Assisting students with course registration;
• Listening to students' concerns and questions;
• Providing a framework for planning career & educational goals;
• Proactive problem solving;
• Referral to campus resources/services and academic regulations and policies;
• Guiding the planning of a path of study and degree requirements;
• Ongoing monitoring of students' progress.