At Alvernia University, we believe that advising is a fundamental part of the learning experience. It helps students to understand curriculum requirements and the variety of elements that make up a rich and successful college education. First-year students are advised by their SEARCH Seminar instructor. In addition to helping students build a relationship with their advisor, students will see their advisor each week in class. This formal connection between advising and classroom learning allows faculty to approach advising as a form of teaching and students to approach it as a form of learning. Many of the topics covered in the seminar - success skills, the value of liberal arts learning, educational planning and Alvernia's mission - are at the heart of the advising relationship. They help students establish the strong foundation they will need to shape a complete education.
First-year advisors use the advising relationship to:
- guide students in course selection and registration
- help students learn methods to transform information into knowledge
- encourage students to connect their academic and personal interests with co-curricular opportunities
- promote individual responsibility and independence
- prepare students for learning at the next level
Students are expected to assume the following responsibilities as advisees:
- Accept personal responsibility for academic success
- Make use of campus resources as recommended by advisors
- Provide advisor with accurate and honest information during meetings
- Become knowledgeable about University programs, policies, and procedures
- Keep personal records of academic progress
- Follow through on action plans created in collaboration with advisors
