Academic Resources

One of the best ways to get the most from academic advisement is to have a clear understanding of the responsibilities of both faculty advisor and advisee (i.e. you, the student). Below are some fundamental guidelines to use as you seek advisement assistance.

Advisee Responsibilities

• Recognize that you are ultimately responsible for knowing and fulfilling all degree requirements. You are also responsible for being aware of and meeting academic deadlines and financial obligations.
• Commit a reasonable amount of time with your academic advisor when planning and implementing your academic program. After your initial advisor meeting (the day before classes start), you must initiate contact with your advisor when you need assistance.
• Initiate contact with your academic advisor to formulate, in consultation with the academic advisor, an academic program consistent with your interests and plans for the future. You are responsible for reading the Ithaca College Catalog and School of Business advisement materials.
• Come to scheduled advisement meetings with the necessary materials -- advising folder, pen, suggestions for courses to be completed, and a plan for meeting graduation requirements.
• Seek out your advisor or the assistant dean for assistance in negotiating difficulties or changes in academic program plans.
• Follow through on referrals made by your advisor.
• Arrive at appointments on time, and cancel/reschedule appointments if you find you cannot attend your original appointment.
• Document conversations with advisor and maintain personal information.

Advisor Responsibilities

• Commit a reasonable amount of time assisting the student in examining options and identifying College resources.
• Work with each advisee to achieve an academic program consistent with the student's academic preparation, interests, and plans for the future (to the extent that the student is able to articulate his/her interests and plans).
• Have a familiarity with and ability to articulate College and School of Business requirements, and their relationship to a liberal arts education and career planning.
• Refer students to appropriate campus resources if the advisor cannot provide the necessary assistance (e.g. Counseling Center, Academic Support Services, Tutoring Services, Career Services, Residential Life, and Multicultural Affairs).
• Schedule sufficient time in the office during critical advising periods such as preregistration and drop/add to assist with academic advisement problems of students. At other times, advisors are expected to be available by appointment and during regularly scheduled office hours to meet with students for academic advisement.
• Assist student in completing necessary forms for course overrides, academic plans, substitutions/waivers, and other related documents.
• Document conversations with student and maintain advisement record.

Understand that your adviser is advising a number of students with different needs, goals, and plans. Therefore, you are ultimately responsible for knowing the academic regulations and requirements that apply to your situation. Refer to the Ithaca College undergraduate catalog for this information and use Degree Works to monitor your progress toward completion of your degree.