Advising

The Whole Story

Advising

Why this story is important: I feel this story is important because it provides awareness about advising, which is required for registration. Also, it tells how involved the Student Success Center is with students by their willingness to help and give advice.

What I did to get this story: I interviewed Alicia Robertson, Student Success Center academic adviser, who gave me information on the roles of SSC, important dates for the different departments coming up and the importance of advising. I also interviewed Maggie Roberts, education advising center director, and she gave me advising information related to the education department. Finally, I reviewed the academic advising Web site for advising and registration dates.

Online links to the information used in this story: http://valdosta.edu/ssc/acad_advising.shtml

Students who plan to register for summer or fall 2008 classes must meet with their academic adviser. Registration begins March 24.
According toVSU’s academic advising Web site, advising helps ensure students succeed academically and keeps students on track for graduation.

While students receive advice and support from professors, the Student Success Center is also available to assist students with general advising questions and direct them in the right direction. SSC advisers talk about what classes students can take, their goals and how their goals relate to their major and desired future career.

“I think advising is an opportunity for students to discuss how their education and their career goals go hand in hand,” Alicia Robertson, SSC academic adviser, said. “Advising is a chance for you to dispel the myths. It’s a way to sit down with people who know what you’ve got to do.”

While all students must be advised to have their academic flag raised for registration, the advising process varies by department.

Advising for English majors begins March 3, and sign ups for appointments began Feb. 18.
Students in the college of education do not have an advising week, but are contacted through e-mail once class schedules are posted to remind students to meet with their adviser on a walk-in basis.

“Faculty are here and they are available to talk with students and that’s a great thing, but they only have a certain amount of time because they teach classes as well as advise,” Maggie Roberts, advising center director, said. “It’s up to the student to be pro active and go sign up for a time.”

Freshman and sophomore students in the college of business will be advised by the Student
Advising Center on North Campus, Thaxton Hall 3rd Floor, beginning March 3. Students will be advised on a first-come, first-served basis by signing in at the front desk and meeting with an available adviser.

Juniors and seniors in the college of business can begin making appointments with their academic major adviser starting March 3. Advising is from March 17-21.

SAC office hours are Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Students unaware of who their adviser is can call 249-2624.

For more campus advising information, students can search http://valdosta.edu/ssc/acad_advising.shtml. Flyers are also posted throughout campus providing department specific information to remind students about advising and registration.