Academic Advising in Higher Education
Daneiva Allevato
ELCS - Spring 2015
UAA advisers are general advisers that meet with all undeclaired students at UW.
OMAD advisers offer services for under-represented first-generation minority studnets at UW. Students must be admited to the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) to recieve couseling form OMAD.
About
Academic advising for undeclared majors at the University of Washington is split into two offices- Undergraduate Academic Affairs Advising (UAA) and the Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity (OMAD). Once students have chosen and have been accepted into a major, they will meet with their departmental adviser in their college/school. However, students are still able to meet with their UAA and OMAD advisers after being accepted into a major. Undergraduate students who are considered low socioeconomic status or at risk of dropping out of college are allowed access to OMAD, students who do not meet this criteria will only be allowed to meet with UAA advisors.
Undergraduate Academic Affairs Advising Mission: Advisers help undergraduates understand the UW's academic systems, choose a major, and discover campus resources. The advising partnership ensures that support, feedback, and opportunities for reflection are part of the Husky Experience.
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This mission expresses the importance of academic advising as a component of student success.
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The mission acknowledges the importance of a collaborative approach to advisng.
Academic Advising Issues and Concerns According to Tim McCoy (General Adviser)
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Some departments view academic advisers simply as paper pushers. Tim McCoy, however, views academic advisers as educators.
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He believes advisers are an important function and contributes greatly to student success. However, some university staff do not understand the value of adviser.
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Some students do not utilize advisers or understand the value of academic advising.
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Some department faculty have a better relationship with departmental advisers than others.
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Peer advisers often don't get utilized properly. Some students refuse to meet with peer advisers in fear that they will receive the wrong advice.