Definition of Advising
Academic advising is a personalized, interactive, and intentional process in which the advisor helps the student set and achieve academic, career, and personal goals. The advising process will incorporate respect for and engagement with all cultures, people, and points of view. The student will acquire relevant information and services to make responsible decisions consistent with interests, goals, abilities, and degree requirements. The desired result is that the student will feel a connection with the advisor and a sense of guidance, while realizing personal responsibility for exploring options and making decisions.

Mission
Academic advising at Minot State University is committed to student success and promoting growth and development of all students through life-long learning, engagement, and advancement of knowledge.

Advising Outcomes
Through the academic advising experiences at Minot State University students will,

• Develop an educational plan to successfully achieve their academic, career, and personal goals
• Understand University policies and procedures
• Determine and utilize the necessary resources and services to support their goals
• Demonstrate knowledge in using Campus Connection
• Understand the value of General Education Requirements
• Exhibit an understanding of their degree requirements
• Select courses each semester to progress toward completing their educational plan
• Demonstrate the ability to make effective decisions, enhance problem-solving skills, and communicate effectively
• Understand the relationship between classroom experiences and their academic, career, and personal goals
• Understand the importance of including experiences outside of the classroom in their educational plan
• Graduate in a timely manner based on their educational plan
   

Advisor Responsibilities

• Serve as a student advocate
• Exhibit a caring attitude
• Be aware of current University resources and provide students with necessary referrals
• Be available to students through posted office hours, email, and appointment times
• Provide guidance to students as they set academic, career, and personal goals
• Be a responsive listener
• Understand and communicate curriculum, graduation requirements, and University policies and procedures
• Assist students in understanding degree requirements
• Assist students in selecting courses based on individual interests and abilities
• Monitor progress toward career and educational goals by maintaining accurate and up-to-date advising files
• Maintain confidentiality of student records
• Assist students in enhancing decision-making, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Participate in advisor training sessions to keep informed and current
   

Student Responsibilities

• Review and understand University policies and procedures, General Education Requirements, graduation requirements, and the MSU Undergraduate Catalog
• Read MSU email account on a regular basis
• Learn to access and navigate Campus Connection
• Be aware of academic dates and deadlines
• Explore resources to assist in making career and academic decisions
• Schedule and attend advising appointments
• Arrive on time for appointments
• Prepare for advising sessions and bring relevant materials to appointment
• Bring a list of questions to appointments and ask questions if a topic is not understood
• Communicate openly with advisor by clarifying personal values, abilities, goals, and needs
• Be familiar with requirements of selected major(s)/minor(s) and schedule courses in accordance with those requirements
• Recognize that advising is a shared responsibility; however, students must accept final responsibility for all decisions