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To
begin preparing for advisement click here.
The purpose of this handbook is to help first-time-in-college students
become familiar with what will be expected of them during the first year
at FGCU. We want to ensure that you are fully aware of the FGCU academic
requirements and that you get started off in the right direction. This
handbook does not replace other University publications such as the University
Catalog or the Student Guidebook, both of which you will receive. We have
pulled relevant information from these publications to make it easier
during the orientation process. You may, in fact, find it beneficial to
keep this handbook available throughout your first year.
ACADEMIC ADVISING MISSION STATEMENT
Florida Gulf Coast University is dedicated to providing a learning-centered
environment, which offers the best opportunity for students to achieve
the knowledge, insight, competency and skills necessary to meet educational
and career goals.
In concert with Florida Gulf Coast University's mission statement and
its guiding principles, the academic counselors affirm their responsibility
to:
- assist students in gaining information about academic policies andrequirements
-
inform of changes in the University's policy and curricula and changes
in the student's academic standing
- assist in evaluating course options
- work toward successful completion of educational goals
- guide in developing decision-making skills
- refer students to the various academic and student support services available
on campus
ACADEMIC ADVISING AND COUNSELING
Academic advising is essential to the discovery and development of the
academic potential of students. Advising is a process that includes the
collection, interpretation, and delivery of a plethora of information.
As defined by Lowell Walter (1988), "Academic advising is a personalized
dialogue between faculty or non-faculty advisors and students in which
the advisor, with a thorough knowledge of the institution and its goals,
attempts to perceive the needs of students and match those needs with
available institutional resources."
Your counselor is a "system coordinator" trying to blend your
needs with resources available via the faculty, academic classes, academic
support services, and counseling services. A key element of the advising
process is the academic counselor/student relationship. Through this relationship,
the advisor helps you, the student, select, plan, monitor, and complete
educational goals.
The following statements outline what most students frequently want from
the advising process:
- interaction with openness in communication, confidence, and trust
- assistance in establishing realistic educational and career goals
- assistance in program planning courses consistent with the student's abilities and interests paying particular attention to course load and difficulty
- referral to other campus resources as need are identified
- articulation and interpretation of University policies and procedures
- participation in student orientation
- maintenance of accurate and complete advising file on each student
Although the academic advisor is available to assist throughout your academic
career, ultimately it is your responsibility to make decisions and academic
choices to complete your degree requirements.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS A STUDENT ADVISEE ARE TO:
- take personal responsibility for the evaluation of your academic progress
- become familiar with the resources available to you here at FGCU
- become familiar with academic policies, procedures, and requirements
by using the University Catalog, Student Guidebook, the University web
site, and the progress sheet from your designated major
- know the graduation requirements
- prepare for all meetings with your academic counselor by bringing
all relevant documents with you, for example, a tentative schedule
- keep accurate academic records including written summaries of meetings
with your advisor
- ask, if you are in doubt!
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