Academics




Academics

Academic Advising: Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

What is the Purpose of Academic Advising?

How do I find out who my Advisor is?

How does a transfer student get an advisor?

Does anyone keep records of advising meetings?

How do I get help to decide what Major is best for me?

How do I register for courses?

How do I withdraw from a course?


How do I get an Academic Advisor?

When do I meet with my Advisor?

How do I change my Advisor?

How do I apply to a Major?

How do I change my Major?

How do I change (Drop or Add) courses?

How do I get a Medical Withdrawal?

Where can I find the current "Academic Calendar"?



What is the Purpose of Academic Advising?

  1. To provide students with information on academic policies, procedures, and programs of the College.

  2. To assist students in choosing educational and career objectives commensurate with their interests and abilities.

  3. To assist students in exploring the possible short and long-range consequences of their choices.

  4. To introduce students to the wide range of services and educational opportunities at Neumann College.

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How do I get an Academic Advisor?


An academic advisor is assigned to each incoming student by the director of academic advising. The student keeps this advisor, if possible, until the student is accepted into the major program. Once accepted into a major, the student is assigned a new advisor who is a faculty member in that program. This assignment is made by the chairperson of that major. If possible, the student keeps this advisor until graduation. If a student decides to change majors, a new advisor might be assigned.

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How do I find out who my Advisor is?


You will be informed about your advisor when you first plan to register for courses at Neumann College. If there is a change of advisor, you will be informed by the director of academic advising or by the chairperson of your major. If you forget who your advisor is, you can ask at the registrar's office.

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How does a transfer student get an academic advisor?


If you are transferring into Neumann College, your academic advisor will be assigned to you according to your transfer credits and your major. You will receive all the academic advising services and benefits that other students receive. For more information on transfer procedures see Admissions.

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When do I meet with my Academic Advisor?


Frequent contact with your academic advisor is recommended to ensure that you have current academic information and that you are making adequate progress toward your educational goals. For the best results, you should meet your advisor at least twice a semester. However, availability of faculty advisement does not diminish your responsibility for academic choices. The final responsibility for satisfying degree requirements rests entirely upon you.

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Does anyone keep records of advising meetings? Should I?


Your advisor keeps an academic advising record and an advising folder for each student. Advisors are asked to keep a record of each contact with a student, including the date, purpose, and results of the meeting. This record remains in the advising folder so that when there is a change of advisor, there will remain a continuity of service. It is a good idea for students to keep a record for themselves; an advising folder is provided to incoming students for this purpose.

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How do I change my Advisor?


Either you or your advisor may initiate a change in the advising relationship. If you have not applied to a major yet, see the director of academic advising. If you are in a major, see the chairperson of the division. At times, it may be necessary for the chairperson to reassign advisors; you will be informed if this happens.

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How do I get help to decide which Major will be best for me?

  1. Investigate on your own: look into the Major programs as described in the Neumann College Undergraduate Catalog. Pay attention to allied and major course requirements as well as major electives to see if they are the kinds of courses that interest you. Consider the career opportunities that the major is preparing you for. Consider your own strengths and weaknesses in these areas of study. Consider, most of all, your own interests.

  2. Consult the Career Counseling Services office at Neumann College. The career counselor can provide you with information and tools to assist you in identifying your interests and matching them to educational, vocational, and career goals -- and in making plans to reach those goals.

  3. Talk to your advisor. Your advisor will help you choose courses that can be applied to all majors while you are trying to make a decision. You should discuss your interests, likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses, and your goals with your advisor, who can make appropriate suggestions based on familiarity with our programs. While there is no need to rush into a major, if you delay the decision beyond the sophomore year it will become increasingly difficult to satisfy your degree requirements within four years. This is another reason why it is essential to discuss your concerns with an advisor, who can recommend courses which will allow you the most flexibility and guide you in the right direction.

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How do I apply to a Major?


First, check the Neumann College Undergraduate Catalog for admission criteria for the major you are interested in. Check that you have met the requirements to apply to the major. Talk with your advisor if you have any questions or doubts. Then pick up an Application to Major Form at the registrar's office. Fill out the form, sign it, and return it to the registrar. The application will be reviewed , and the chairperson will inform you in writing with a decision.

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How do I change my Major?


First, discuss it with your advisor, who can inform you of the impact of a change in major on your course planning. Then review the requirements for acceptance into the major you are interested in and check to be sure you are qualified. Then you need to apply to the major as you did the first time. Be aware that changing majors can result in the need for additional time to complete your studies, as you may need to catch up on major course requirements.

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How do I register for courses?


For your first semester at Neumann, once you have been accepted and met the requirements for pre-registration, the director of academic advising or a chairperson will arrange for you to meet an advisor who will help you register for courses.

Shortly after the mid-point of each semester, you need to meet with your advisor to prepare for pre-registration for the upcoming semester. Your advisor will have a supply of Registration Forms and a Course Schedule (which is also available through the Neumann College web site). Before you meet your advisor, review your program, check the course offerings, and prepare a schedule of courses. When you meet your advisor, review your academic history and goals. Inform your advisor of any changes since you last met. Show your advisor your preliminary schedule and ask any questions you might have. Together work out a schedule that meets your needs, fill out the Registration Form, get the advisor's signature and take the form to the registrar's office. Note that the dates to begin registration are published in the Academic Calendar.

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How do I make a change (Drop/Add) to my schedule before classes begin?

You can drop or add courses anytime between registering and a specific date, usually about one week, into each semester. Check the Academic Calendar each semester for the date that the drop/add period ends.

Fill out a Drop/Add Form, available at the registrar's office. Discuss the change with your advisor and get your advisor's signature on it. Return the form to the registrar's office.

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How do I withdraw from a course?

If you need to withdraw from a course after the drop/add period is over, you can pick up a Course Withdrawal Form at the registrar's office. Complete the form and get it signed by your advisor and the instructor of the course(s) you are withdrawing from. Return the form to the registrar's office. Check the current Academic Calendar for the last date on which you may withdraw from a course.

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How do I withdraw from a course for medical reasons?

A Medical Withdrawal from Neumann College can be granted to any student who can document that, due to unforeseen medical reasons which require extended care, attendance at or completion of course requirements at Neumann is not possible. The student should provide a written statement from the attending physician to the registrar.

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Where can I find the "current Academic Calendar"?

The Academic Calendar for the current year is in the front section of the Neumann College Undergraduate Catalog for that year. A copy is available in the registrar's office as well as on the Neumann College Web Site.




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