University of Southern Maine

Faculty Handbook

Advising

Faculty should review: (1) USM Academic Policies (2) information on Academic Services in the USM Faculty Handbook, (3) Academic Support Office for Students with Disabilities in the USM Faculty Handbook.

Nursing

Faculty are assigned advisees during the spring of each academic year. First year students and many sophomores are advised by the nursing program First and Second Year Nursing Advising Coordinator. RN students are advised by Brenda Webster and assigned faculty members during their undergraduate studies and by graduate faculty during their graduate studies. Accelerated baccalaureate students are also assigned a faculty advisor. MS-Option students are advised by the Nursing Chairperson regarding undergraduate coursework and by a graduate faculty advisor regarding graduate work. Programs of study are available on the College's web site www.usm.maine.edu/conhp .

Sports Medicine

Upon initial acceptance into the department, students are assigned an advisor from a team of faculty and staff members referred to as "first-year experience" advisors. Upon completing the entrance criteria and being accepted into the student's desired major, the student is assigned a faculty advisor who provides guidance for the student during the remainder of the student's academic career.

Therapeutic Recreation

Upon admission to the major, therapeutic recreation students are assigned a faculty advisor. The department Chairperson advises students interested in learning about or preparing for the therapeutic recreation major.

Non-Departmental Based Offerings

Radiation therapy and health science majors are assigned a faculty advisor.

Responsibilities of the Advisor

1. To be knowledgeable about the degree program requirements and to inform students appropriately.
   
2. To be available for general help, counsel and advise regarding progress, issues and concerns, including referral to appropriate university resources.
   
3. To inform the student of advisor's and student's responsibilities in the academic advising process.
   
4. To be knowledgeable about the student academic appeal process and to serve as an advocate for an advisee, if needed, in an appeal.
   
5. To be knowledgeable about University requirements.
   
6. To communicate and emphasize the student's responsibility for satisfying degree requirements.
   
7. To be knowledgeable of student's entire academic record/experience.
   
8. To assist the student in developing a well-planned program to facilitate learning and career planning.
   
9. To assist the student with planning a suitable schedule of classes.
   
10. To be familiar with published academic rules and regulations of the University and to maintain an up-to-date academic advising reference file for each student. Each file will contain current program area, College and University materials pertinent to advising.
    
11. To keep the academic advising folder up to date with anecdotal notes describing interactions with the student.
    
12. To be aware of, through the student academic transcripts and program check sheets, and to discuss with the students their academic performance and its implications.
    
13. To seek counsel from the appropriate Department Chairperson/Director regarding academic problems identified during the advising process.
    
14. To establish, and maintain office hours. These should be posted near the faculty member's office.
    

Advisor Role in Steps in Registration

1. Determine where the student is - current status- current course needs - progress, etc.
   
2. Assess student background and needs
1. Proficiencies met
2. Courses on advisor's worksheet grid still to be completed - any prerequisites needed for those courses
3. Which semester needed courses are offered
4. Time limitations - day, evening.
5. Location - Portland , Gorham, or Lewiston-Auburn
   
3. Help create class schedule as needed - using course schedule, if appropriate.
   
4. Fill out pre-requisite form, and sign. Note on top of the form the student's Registration Authorization Number (RAN) and the date when he or she may register by telephone.
   

Contents of Students' Advising Folders

When notified by the Admissions Office of a student's acceptance, the Advising and Academic Information Department will create an advising folder to be utilized during the New Student Advising Program and subsequently by the appropriate academic department advisor.

The advising folder will normally contain the following pieces of information:

• Advisor's Record Sheet - anecdotal record of advisor/advisee meetings and other information or action pertinent to the student's situation.

• Computer grid placing transfer credits or courses completed. Date of printing in upper left corner.

• Advisors worksheet grid.

• Other academic forms and letters.

Revised: 06/27/05

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