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Leah Bittner

“The SMSU RN to BSN Program does not have you take a set amount of credits each semester. This flexible scheduling was perfect for me as it allowed me to vary the amount of credits I took each semester. I would have struggled without that flexibility as I am a non-traditional student who is also a wife, mother of four, and worked full time while completing my degree. This program is designed to fit into your life, whether you want to be a full-time or part-time student.”

Leah Bittner, '22 Alum
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Academic Advising Guide

The goal of effective advising at Southwest Minnesota State University is to provide all students with the necessary academic information that allows them to make informed decisions about their academic careers. This can only be done by creating a working relationship with a faculty or staff member who assists students in developing an academic degree plan.

What is Academic Advising?

An educational process that, by intention and design, facilitates students’ understanding of the meaning and purpose of higher education and fosters their intellectual and personal development toward academic success and lifelong learning (National Academic Advising Association (NACADA, 2004).

Through a developmental process it assists students in the clarification of their life/career goals and in the development of educational plans for the realization of these goals. It is a decision-making process by which students realize their maximum educational potential through communication and information exchanges with an advisor; it is ongoing, multifaceted, and the responsibility of both student and advisor. The advisor serves as a facilitator of communication a coordinator of learning experiences through course and career planning and academic progress review, and an agent of referral to other campus agencies as necessary (Academic Advising: Campus Collaborations to Foster Retention, November 4, 1999).

  • Become knowledgeable on how to access your DARS report (Degree Audit Reporting System) and review it each semester.
  • Review your DARS to find your advisor’s name in the student data section of DARS.
  • Contact and meet with your advisor throughout the semester to form a relationship. Schedule appointments in advance. • Discuss your DARS and individualized graduation plan with your advisor.
  • Become knowledgeable of degree requirements, policies, procedures, and campus resources.
  • Come prepared to advising appointments with questions and/or topics that you want to discuss.
  • Be sure your major and minor degree goals are accurate and up to date.
  • Check your SMSU email account regularly and respond to messages from your advisor.
  • Reflect upon your career goals and educational plans and be prepared to discuss them.
  • Create educational plans based on interests, values, and short and long term goals.
  • Explore extracurricular activities in order to enhance your personal and academic goals.
  • Be open and willing to consider other perspectives.
  • Accept responsibility for your decisions and actions that affect your educational progress and goals.
  • Be an advocate for yourself in course petitions. You have the right to move forward a course petition even if the advisor does not support your petition request.
  • Seek help before a situation becomes a crisis.
  • Change your advisor if your advisor is no longer suitable for your needs.
  • Initiate and maintain regular contact with you throughout the academic year.
  • Provide you with accurate and up-to-date information regarding course and major requirements as well as policies and procedures.
  • Assist you with course selection for the upcoming semester and provide your registration access code each semester.
  • Provide a safe and confidential environment for academic questions and concerns.
  • Encourage you and support you as you gain the skills and knowledge necessary for success.
  • Support you in defining your academic and career goals.
  • Assist you in creating an individualized graduation plan that is consistent with your goals.
  • Assist you in securing another academic advisor when your major changes.
  • Discuss co-curricular activities and other responsibilities with you and how they fit with your academic goals.
  • Refer you to campus support services, organizations, and faculty and staff members as needed.
  • Be accessible during office hours, by appointment, and via telephone and email.
  • Assist you in reviewing your DARS report and provide information regarding the petition process.

Four-Year Advising Plan:

  • Meet your advisor
  • Attend all classes
  • Get to know your professors
  • Investigate student organizations and get involved
  • Develop a personal resume
  • Attend career fairs
  • Explore/investigate a major plan of study – some majors will have special criteria that you need to meet beginning with your first year such as internships and course prerequisites.
  • Complete introductory courses in your major and evaluate your commitment
  • Identify your immediate and long term goals
  • Attend career and related workshops and clinics
  • Plan your remaining courses through graduation
  • Seek out leadership roles in activities or employment
  • Update your resume
  • Seek assistance in Career Services
  • Work, volunteer, intern or job shadow in your field
  • Attend career/job fairs
  • Investigate graduate school opportunities if you are contemplating a master’s degree
  • Complete a Degree Check found at: www.SMSU.edu/go/degreecheck
  • Complete all degree requirements
  • Utilize career resources
  • Develop a job search plan
  • Research prospective employers
  • Keep in touch with your academic advisor
  • Review your degree check evaluation
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Last Modified: 7/27/22 11:46 AM | Website Feedback