Academic Advising in Higher Education
Daneiva Allevato
ELCS - Spring 2015
The University of Texas offers a couple of academic advising options to address concerns of students throughout their undergraduate careers. At UT undergraduate and graduate students meet with their college/major adviser once they have chosen their major. For the many students that enter UT with undeclared majors are advised at the Vick Center for Strategic Advising and Career Counseling. The Vick center is housed in the Academic Affairs division.
Mission of Academic Advising at UT
The University views sound academic advising as a significant responsibility in educating students. Academic advisers assist students in developing intellectual potential and exploring educational opportunities and life goals. Many people in the campus community contribute to the advising process, including faculty, staff, student, and professional advisers. Through the relationship established between adviser and student within a friendly, helpful, and professional atmosphere, a student has the opportunity to learn about educational options, degree requirements, and academic policies and procedures; to clarify educational objectives; to plan and pursue programs consistent with abilities, interests, and life goals; and to use all resources of the University to best advantage.
Interpretation of the UT Academic Advising Mission
Ultimately, the student is responsible for seeking adequate academic advice, for knowing and meeting degree requirements, and for enrolling in appropriate courses to ensure orderly and timely progress toward a degree. Frequent adviser contact provides students with current academic information and promotes progress toward educational goals. The University supports that progress and encourages effective academic advising campus-wide.
Undergraduate Advising Center
The Vick Center serves students across campus who are exploring majors and careers, as well as undeclared students enrolled in the School of Undergraduate Studies.
About UT Advising
Issues and Concerns About Academic Advising at UT According to David Spight the Dean of Advising
"Currently, the big concerns are related, as always, to helping students to successfully persist, and graduate. In terms of issues within our office, we have a center that’s been recognized frequently both on the campus and through NACADA as an exemplary program…but, we’re always striving to find better ways to assist students. In particular, we’re really trying to find better ways to help students who are at-risk, first-generation, or who end up on scholastic probation, make their way successfully into majors and persist. There aren’t any major red flags though at this point that are of concern in terms of the advising we provide in the Vick Center".
"At UT, I think there will always be a concern with lack of resources to serve all the students – advising ratios are too high in some departments and training in inconsistent from one department to the next. We may provide extensive training, but other offices or departments might not provide very comprehensive training".
"One future goal, that is slowly being developed out of our program is a center for advisor training and development. We hope this can improve the services across the campus".