Activities and Services of the Academic Advisement Center
Advisor Assignements
The Academic Advisement Center assigns advisors to all students who are in the process of deciding majors. The Center conveys the importance of advising and provides students the contact information for their advisors.
Administering Major and Minor Changes
The Academic Advisement Center assists all undergraduate students in initiating changes of major and/or minor. The Center also assists students who are declaring or changing majors and minors to initiate the process of applying to degree programs.
Consultation and Professional Development for Advisors Across Campus
The director and the academic advisors are available to colleges and departments to consult or provide staff development sessions on advising information and skills. A series of advising workshops has been developed and is offered as part of the Academic Advisor Forum. Reference materials, like this manual, are also offered when appropriate.
Explained Absence Notification
If the student, a family member, or a friend contacts the Academic Advisement Center prior to an extended emergency absence of a current student, Tracey Glaessgen will notify faculty involved if it is not possible for the student to do so. The reason for the absence is not verified and every effort is made to clarify student understanding that an explained absence is not the same thing as an excused absence. Students are referred to individual instructors upon their return to campus to discuss the impact of their absence on their success in each class. This service might be used when a student is hospitalized unexpectedly for a serious injury.
Faculty/Advisor Resource Center
Information on advisee records is provided on the Faculty/Advisor Resource Center website. Information advisors need to work with their students is available, including notes from previous advising sessions. The Academic Advisement Center staff provides training for those who use this resource and communicates suggested improvements to the Computer Services staff.
Health Professions Information
For students considering health-related careers, information on available academic programs, professional program admission requirements and career information is available. Students may set up an appointment with John Gripka, who specializes in this area.
GEP 101
Advisors from the Academic Advisement Center affiliate with sections of GEP 101 and make guest presentations on educational planning topics such as: choosing a major, understanding general education requirements, academic rules and regulations, getting the most from advising sessions, etc
Majors Fair
The Majors Fair brings departmental representatives and undecided students together so that students may gather information on academic programs of interest. The Fair is held before midterm during the fall semester and is heavily advertised to IDS 110 students.
My Missouri State, Teaching & Advising Tab
Information on advisee records is provided on the My Missouri State website through the Teaching & Advising tab. Information advisors need to work with their students is available, including notes from previous advising sessions. Changes to Advising Notes can be made by emailing Kathy Davis for the correction of errors and removal of inappropriate content. The Academic Advisement Center staff provides training for advisors who use the Teaching & Advising tab.
Precollege Student Advisement
Tracey Glaessgen advises highly qualified high school juniors and seniors admitted under the campus-based (dual enrollment) Precollege Program. These students have at least a 3.00 cumulative grade point average on a 4.00 scale, have an ACT composite score of 21 or higher (or an equivalent score on the PLAN, PSAT, or SAT), and written permission from guardians and school administrators. Course selection(s) must be approved by the student’s designated academic advisor.
Student Class Registration and Schedule Changes
Any student who has not declared a major may register for classes at the Academic Advisement Center during the early, regular and late registration periods. In addition, students may make schedule changes in the Center.
SOAR
Staff from the Academic Advisement Center work cooperatively with the Student Orientation, Advisement and Registration (SOAR) Coordinator on the new student orientation program. SOAR helps students transition smoothly into college life and become aware of the demands of the learning community. The Center assists with selecting and training faculty advisors and student orientation leaders and provides advisors for groups of undeclared students.
Transfer Student Advisement
Ross Hawkins, our transfer advisor, provides academic advice to transfer students and prospective transfer students by explaining transfer policies and requirements. He collaborates with academic departments involved with transfer students to facilitate the registration process for declared majors and advises those who enter as undeclared students.