The relationship between our students and their academic advisers is important to us. When you enroll in the College, you will be assigned an academic adviser in your declared major. If you are undecided about a major, your academic adviser will be a member of the dean's office staff while you are exploring your opportunities; when you have declared a major, an adviser in your major will be assigned.
You will meet with your adviser each quarter to review your progress. We think it is important for students to get to know their advisers and teachers beyond just an advising session too. Therefore, the College regularly sponsors events, like advising luncheons, college picnics and an annual ice skating party, at which you and your adviser can get to know each other while having some fun.
What can you expect of your adviser? According to Ohio University's student handbook, you can expect your adviser to:
- Establish and adhere to reasonable office hours.
- Be knowledgeable of the different interests of both traditional and nontraditional students and adapt the advising accordingly.
- Understand the mechanics of enrolling you for a quarter, such as scheduling and closed-class situations.
- Understand all aspects of the university grading policy.
- Be familiar with the variety of university degree offerings.
- Know where to refer you in cases of special needs.
- Be aware of departmental major and university general education requirements.
- Help you plan a complete course of study utilizing career interests and academic records, as well as providing available information on the frequency of course offerings and possible scheduling conflicts.
- Help you rethink your course of study in the event your career interests change.
- Relay information that he or she may have available regarding activities that may enhance your learning experiences.
Equally important, you adviser has the right to expect you to:
- Consult with the adviser on at least a quarterly basis, more often when needed.
- Make an appointment for such counseling during posted office hours if possible.
- Keep appointments promptly. If unable to keep an appointment, notify the adviser prior to the scheduled time
- Be prepared for the appointment and bring appropriate materials; openly discuss academic and career-related needs as they develop.
- Seek assistance with decisions rather than expect the adviser to make them. Follow through with appropriate action after the advising session or consult with the adviser if critical decisions cannot be accomplished.
- Evaluate advising sessions and give feedback to the adviser in order to strengthen the advising process.
- Seek reassignment to another adviser when appropriate.