Florida International University 11200 S.W. Eighth Street Miami, Florida 33199 305.348.2000

Page Revised: July 18, 2001

Contents:
4.10 Student Advisement
4.20 Orientation

4.10 STUDENT ADVISEMENT

Effective: June 29, 1994

PURPOSE
To state the policy regarding academic advisement of students.

AUTHORITY/SOURCE:
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Faculty Senate Undergraduate Council

POLICY
The primary function of student advisement is to assist students in planning their major course of study to meet the desired degree requirements. Specifically, the major objectives of advisement are to insure that students are aware of the proper prerequisites for their program; that they understand minimum program objectives and requirements including University policies on academic warning, probation, dismissal, etc.; that their progress towards the degree is "paced" appropriately; and that an educational strategy is developed that will best achieve their career (including graduate school) goals.

Colleges and Schools have the responsibility (which may be delegated to academic counselors or faculty) to make advisement available to each student, recognizing that each student bears the responsibility for obtaining advisement.

Students who do not follow proper advisement procedures will not be allowed to register for classes, may be dropped from their courses, or be assessed other penalties, depending on actual violations of procedures.

PROCEDURE
1. Freshmen Advisement:

The Office of Undergraduate Studies' Academic Advising Center advises all lower division students during their freshmen year. During this year, each student is counseled to complete "Intended Major" forms in the Office of Undergraduate Studies. Subsequently (after 30 credits), the academic file is transferred to an advisor in the department of the selected intended major who continues to guide the student through the Core Curriculum as well as prepare him/her for the selected area of study. Upon completion of 60 semester hours, students officially declare a major using the "Change of Major" form available in the Office of Registration.

Students seeking admission to a limited access program must contact the appropriate department for its requirements before submitting a change of major form. Students with intended or declared majors will be advised by faculty members or professional advisors in their major department.

All freshmen are invited to participate in personalized Peer Advisor sessions and advising sessions offered by the Academic Advising Center. In addition, students can make individual appointments with an advisor in the Academic Advising Center. Non-degree-seeking lower division students are also advised by this office.

Placement testing is part of the Academic Advising/Orientation Program. All newly admitted lower division students are tested in writing, mathematics, and where appropriate, foreign language skills. On the basis of test results, students are placed in appropriate courses.

2. Transfer Student Advisement:

Students who transfer 48 semester credits or more to FIU from an accredited college or university must contact the department of their intended major for specific advising guidelines as soon as they receive notice of admission to FIU.

3. Advisement and Telephone Registration:

Students who register via telephone should plan ahead and visit their designated advisor to have all advising questions (including advising holds) answered prior to the phone-in registration. Some departments require students to attend advising sessions each semester. In any case, students should understand the department's guidelines for telephone registration procedures by discussing these with the advisor before registration each term.

4. Steps:

a. Student applies to the Office of Admission. If the student is transferring at least 48 credits, then he/she must specify an intended major the desired major of study. Students with fewer than 48 credits may choose not to indicate an intended major.

b. Each student is sent a packet of information, which tells the student where and when to receive initial orientation and advising information.

c. Each semester, students go to the Registrar to pick up their control card (permit to register) and SASS report (Student Academic Support System, used for advising) during the week prior to registration.

d. The students contact their advisor (or major department) to arrange an advising session before the appropriate deadline (set by the advisor).

e. The student and advisor meet to discuss the SASS report, and select appropriate classes for the following term. The SASS report is updated automatically by computer each term, based on actual courses taken by the student.

5. Advising:

a. It is the responsibility of the school or the academic unit to insure that the number of advisees assigned to faculty or professional staff is reasonable.

Effective: May 20, 1998

PURPOSE
To provide students with an orientation to the University and its academic programs.

AUTHORITY/SOURCE:
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

POLICY
Orientation programs are offered each term for first-time-in college and transfer atudents. Programs are under direction of the Division of Student Affairs and coordinated with the appropriate academic units.

It is expected that new students will attend an orientation program in preparation for their first term enrollment. In additon, participation in a one credit Freshman Experience course (SLE 1501) is required of freshmen in their first term of enrollment.

PROCEDURE
Dates for the Freshman and transfer orientation programs are established, and the programs are annually evaluated by the Division of Student Affairs in consultation with the appropriateacademic units. Dates are included in the university academic calendar. Academic units provide advising and other academic support services and assistance sensititve to the needs of students and necessary to the enrollment process.