Missoula College Advisors
Missoula College Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ seeking an Associate of Arts (AA) degree are advised by the three advisors in the Academic Advising Center. Missoula College Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ pursuing other degrees or certificates are advised by faculty members in their specific program.
Please refer to the Who is My Advisor? webpage for help locating your specific advisor if you are not a General AA student.
What is Academic Advising?
Academic advising is a reciprocal partnership between you and your advisor; both parties are required to be a full participant in the process. We encourage Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ to take ownership of their own education and, in return, advisors help Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ by giving them the tools and knowledge necessary to meet their academic goals.
The National Academic Advising Association's (NACADA) Concept of Academic Advising sums up the goal of academic advising perfectly:
Through academic advising, Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ learn to become members of their higher education community, to think critically about their roles and responsibilities as Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, and to prepare to be educated citizens of a democratic society and a global community. Academic advising engages Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ beyond their own world views, while acknowledging their individual characteristics, values, and motivations as they enter, move through, and exit the institution.
Academic Advising at UM
Academic advising is critical to student success at Ñý¼§Ö±²¥. All undergraduate Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ are required to meet with their advisor at least once each semester to review educational progress, discuss future plans and secure schedule approval prior to registration. Additional meetings are recommended for information and guidance on dropping and/or adding courses, changing/declaring majors, exploring available resources and ensuring that graduation requirements are met.
Faculty and professional advisors, as well as peer advising assistants facilitate positive academic advising experiences by:
- helping Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ to develop mentoring relationships with faculty and professional staff,
- encouraging Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ to fulfill their obligation to plan in advance for advising sessions,
- educating Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ to understand and accept their responsibilities in the advising process and for advising decisions, and
- promoting frank and productive dialogue about the student's academic goals.
Students improve their academic planning and success by fully using the advising services and by learning about the academic requirements of their major fields, and the University policies for registration and graduation. The UM catalog is the official source of information on these matters. Although advisors are available to assist Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, it is important for Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ to realize that the ultimate responsibility for meeting all graduation requirements is their own.