Article VII - Academic Advising
SECTION 1 - Mission and Vision
The mission of academic advising at Keuka College is to promote the success of students as independent learners through building meaningful relationships in an inclusive and supportive learning environment where students are empowered to develop and complete a purposeful educational plan consistent with their abilities, career, and life goals. The vision of academic advising is that Keuka College advisors will facilitate and empower students, both online and on-campus, to become independent and responsible learners who lead purposeful lives in the world. Keuka College's approach to holistic advising draws on NACADA's framework of informational, relational, and conceptual core competencies and values. Academic advising is included as part of the teaching pillar for faculty evaluation. To support high-quality faculty advising, regular faculty development opportunities are offered along with an advising handbook and variety of resources.
SECTION 2 - Goals of Academic Advising
- Facilitate navigation of registration processes and institutional policies, and use of academic and student support resources.
- Guide students as they explore options, clarify their values, and make appropriate decisions regarding their educational, career, and life goals.
- Support students in their development of an appropriate educational plan for timely graduation consistent with their demonstrated academic abilities, interests, and life goals.
- Provide accurate and timely information about academic programs (majors, minors/areas of concentration, and general education), policies and procedures, degree and institutional requirements, and leadership opportunities.
- Assist Students in understanding the nature, purpose, and coherence of their overall educational plan.
- Mentor students as they plan and develop significant Field Period® experiences.
- Help students become independent, responsible learners and problem solvers who understand their abilities and potential and recognize the impact of their choices on achieving their personal and professional goals.
SECTION 3 - Advising Assignments
First-year and new transfer students are assigned to a faculty advisor in their designated major at the discretion of their division chair. Exploratory students are initially assigned to special faculty advisors. First-year students are provided additional support through staff advisors and success coaches to ensure they receive strong support and guidance during this significant transitional period. Transfer students are also assigned to a faculty member in their chosen major or, if undecided, to a special advisor.
Students are officially accepted into specific programs at various times, depending on the discipline (for example, students may declare a major in nursing only after successfully completing required prerequisite courses). In most cases, students will be assigned to an advisor in their intended major, even if official acceptance into the program comes later.
The Office of the Provost monitors faculty advising loads to ensure appropriate advisor to student ratios and faculty equity.