Academic Advising at Roger Williams University

1. Academic Advising at Roger Williams University Presented by Susan Hammond, Director Advising Center

2. University Advising Center • Staffed by professional academic advisors • Work with undecided students and students “in transition” – looking for a new major. Any student welcome • Provide substantial support and guidance in all aspects of academic life • Work collaboratively with faculty advisors • Work closely with resource and support centers on campus (CAD, Deans, Athletics, Counseling, IC) • Professional development for faculty advisors

3. Faculty Advisors • All students assigned a faculty advisor • Faculty advisors “lift holds” for pre-registration • Faculty advisors required to meet with assigned advisees each semester • Provide insight into chosen major • Offer advice/guidance in career planning • Provide advice and referrals as necessary

4. Peer Mentoring • What is a Student Advocate? • Peer mentor • Supports transition from home to residence hall, high school to college classroom • Experienced eyes and ears of the campus • Works with UAC advisors to provide support and encouragement to students at risk

5. Expectations of Advisors • Be prepared. Do the homework. Attend class. • Always have a notebook and pen/pencil with you • Form study groups • Keep a daily planner and live by it. Only 15 hours a week scheduled • Use appropriate professional language when emailing faculty and staff • Seek help and guidance if you are feeling lost • Ask Questions!

6. Academic Expectations • Syllabus: the contract between student and faculty • Classroom Attendance • Due Dates • Best effort • Ipods, Cell phones, laptops: not in the classroom! • Self Advocacy

7. How can you support the academic success of your student? • Know the resources on campus: on line catalog • Encourage your child to use them • Don’t intervene on their behalf; expect them to advocate for themselves • Expect them to make mistakes; it’s part of the learning process – and expect us to support them in that learning process • Stay connected, but not over-protective

8. How you can help • Actions have consequences: allow your child to experience this important lesson • Be available for advice, but let your child make the decision; encourage him/her to seek support from services and staff/faculty • Support your child’s interests and passions • And what the University will do to support your student…..

9. Parents as Partners • Planned choices • Manage time wisely • 80% of student time is outside the classroom • Work on courses everyday • Get involved in clubs and organizations • Form study groups • For liberal arts majors: take science and math; for professional schools: take liberal arts, writing • Get to know at least one professor each semester

10. Parents As Partners • Trust faculty and staff to teach, guide, counsel, advise, coach, lead, encourage students toward academic and professional success • Remind your child about resources on campus, • Encourage your student to • Get to know professors and advisors • Create support system of faculty, staff, students • Use a daily planner • Get involved on campus • Prepare for finals: beginning first day of class!

11. Contact information • Susan Hammond, Director • Karen Johnson, Senior Academic Advisor • Racheal Roy, Advising Assistant • Administration Bldg, 1st Floor, 401-254-3104 • shammond@rwu.edu • kjohnson@rwu.edu • rroy@rwu.edu • http://www.rwu.edu/academics/supportservices/advisingcenter/