The relationship between advisor and student is one of shared responsibility.

Advisors expect students to:

  • Be open to exploring opportunities that will help clarify interests, strengths and abilities.
  • Give careful thought to short-term and long-term academic and career goals and share this information with the advisor.
  • Inform their advisor of any changes to their academic major, minor or future goals.
  • Be open and willing to consider advice given during advising sessions.
  • Know the academic calendar and be aware of important deadlines.
  • Be familiar with Furman’s academic and student conduct policies and procedures.
  • Schedule appointments to meet with their advisor at least once a semester, in advance of their designated registration time.
  • Arrive on time for scheduled appointments or notify the advisor in advance if the appointment needs to be rescheduled.
  • Prepare for advising appointments by reviewing course offerings and requirements.
  • Attend course registration meetings with a tentative written list of classes for which the student would like to register.
  • Monitor their academic progress by keeping track of the courses the student has completed for the student’s General Education requirements (GERs) and major and minor requirements.
  • Monitor their CLP completion status and remain on track to complete this graduation requirement.
  • Be prepared to discuss academic options such as May X, summer courses, study away, research opportunities, and internships. Advisors can help students plan the appropriate timeline to complete these experiences.
  • Contact their advisor at times other than the official advising/registration periods, if needed. It is important to inform an advisor of any academic difficulties or personal problems as soon as they arise because the advisor can help connect the student to university resources.
  • Be aware that adding or dropping classes without consulting an advisor may result in failure to satisfy degree requirements and may have financial consequences.
  • Understand that it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the student is meeting the requirements of the student’s financial aid package. Advisor will not be aware of the specifics of a student’s financial aid package.
  • Identify a preferred method of contact (often this will be email) and discuss expectations about response time.
  • Check their Furman email account regularly for important messages and respond when necessary.
  • Ask questions! If a student is unclear about a policy or procedure or information presented during the advising meeting the student is expected to request clarification from the advisor.
  • Accept responsibility for decisions made during the advising process. Advisors will provide students with advice and guidance, but ultimately the student is responsible for making their own decisions about educational planning, course scheduling and completion of all graduation requirements.

Students can expect their advisor to:

  • Establish a good working relationship to help them feel welcome at the university.
  • Talk with them about their strengths, interests and abilities.
  • Help students identify and develop realistic educational goals consistent with their interests and capabilities.
  • Assist with exploring areas of study and interpreting degree requirements.
  • Encourage student participation in relevant co-curricular (e.g., research, internships, study away) and extra-curricular experiences (e.g., relevant student organizations).
  • Help clarify policies and procedures necessary to navigate the university.
  • Teach students how to gather information and make academically sound decisions.
  • Provide a safe environment in which to share questions, aspirations, concerns and interests.
  • Assist with goal setting, both long- and short-term.
  • Assist with academic issues and personal concerns by connecting students to appropriate campus resources.
  • Inform students of their responsibilities in the advising process.
  • Be knowledgeable about, and effectively communicate, university policies/procedures and academic requirements related to graduation, General Education requirements, majors and minors program and standards. For information outside of the advisor’s discipline, the advisor should be able to help students find the relevant information in the university catalog and/or make an appropriate referral to another person who has the relevant information.
  • Know the academic calendar and be aware of important deadlines.
  • Review and update each student’s academic record prior to or during the advising appointment. Discuss academic performance and implications.
  • Teach students to be aware of prerequisites, course sequencing, appropriate course loads, and where to locate information about course content.
  • Empower students to advocate for themselves and take responsibility for their academic pathway.
  • Be accessible and responsive to students’ emails in a timely manner. Contact students via email should concerns arise.
  • Provide relevant referrals to other campus and community resources when necessary.
  • Participate in professional development to stay current with policies, procedures and requirements.