Academic advising is an integral part of each student's educational experience and it takes many forms. Academic advising is a shared responsibility between the student and the advisor. For more information visit www.advising.umd.edu . Together with a student, an academic advisor can:
Monitor students' progress in their major.
Provide information on academic requirements needed for graduation:
- Discuss how a course of study fits a particular academic or career interest.
- Answer questions concerning a specific academic concern, such as problems with a particular class.
- Assist students in developing an academic and career plan.
- Inform students about possible scholarships or fellowships and how to apply for them.
- Guide students through the registration process, including providing information on various registration blocks and what needs to be done to remove them.
Help students plan for future graduate study or career:
- Discuss how an academic major can prepare a student for his/her career, and what career options are available.
- Refer students to the Career Center which provides career counseling as well as workshops on various careers,on writing resumes, preparing for job interviews, etc.
- Inform students about graduate school requirements and application procedures.
- Inform students about internship opportunities and how they can possibly receive credit for them.
- Provide information on study abroad programs that might enrich a student's academic experience as well as enhance their resume.
Serve as a campus resource:
- Refer students to various academic support units that provide tutoring or workshops on study skills, time management, stress management, etc.
- Recommend that students seek counseling for stress, addictions, trauma that may be affecting their academic work.
- Inform students with physical and learning disabilities of the support available to them.
- Encourage students to get involved on campus via social, political, academic, ethnic/cultural, sport and/or recreational student organizations and activities.
Some advisors can provide information on all of the above. Others specialize in a particular topic or area of concern. For example, a college/department may have a specific career advisor or study abroad coordinator. Furthermore, some advisors work with specific populations, i.e. returning students, athletes, students with physical or learning disabilities, students of color, etc.
When requesting to meet with an advisor, specify what topics you wish to discuss to ensure that you are directed to the appropriate individual.
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