Resources

Getting Started/Before Meeting with Students

Read through course catalog to get familiar with the pre-requisites for courses especially those for math and science. Be knowledgeable of University courses and CORE requirements.

• Catalog
• Gen Ed

Study the Academic Operating Policies (AOPs) of the university. Become familiar with university policy, procedures and requirements.

• Policies

Familiarize yourself with the different deadlines established by the university.

• Academic Calendar

Navigate the myState > Banner system and browse through the various menus and the information that each one provides.

Get familiar with Student Success Portal

Become familiar with the Curriculum, Advising and Program Planning (CAPP) Compliance feature on Banner. Distance Education has a series of "Your Guide" videos that walks students through Banner, the CAPP, Academic Amnesty, Registration, etc. It is an excellent resource and quick reference for students but can also be helpful to advisors: http://distance.msstate.edu/videos

Other Academic advisors can be excellent resource!

Useful Links

• Error Codes
• The Learning Center
• Student Counseling Services
• The Writing Center
• 2018 Advising Policy Update with Dr. Ryan hosted by CTL
• New Advisors Workshop hosted by CTL
• Navigating Advising Forms hosted by CTL
• Best Advising Practices hosted by CTL
• Office of the Registrar's Transfer Course Equivalents Database
• Health Professions Resource Center (Dr. A. Randle and Marilyn H. White) 

Develop a Strategy for Advising Students Effectively:

• Develop realistic, attainable education and career goals and track their progress toward these goals.
   
• Understand the requirements of their planned major.
   
• Keep a running check list of all core that has been met. Maintain a file on each student that accurately reflects advising content.
   
• Be prepared before advising sessions.
   
• Provide a comfortable atmosphere and exhibit a congenial attitude for advising.
   
• Consistently reevaluate your communication skills.
   
• Be immediately responsive to students inquires.
   
• Alert students to academic and attendance concerns that may be detrimental to their record and their academic progress.
   
• Before you advise a student, check to see if student has any holds.
   
• Banner
   
• Check for Academic Forgiveness/Repeat Policies.
  • Academic Forgiveness Policy.
  • Repeat Policy.
     
• Be prepared to interpret university policy regarding such items as probation, suspension, dismissal, and withdrawal. Policies
   
• Help students to accurately view their progress toward their academic goals.
   
• Acquaint advisees with alternate majors that would utilize their interest and abilities. The Career Center is an excellent resource in helping student find a major.
   
• Help advisees to understand that they have the ultimate responsibility for the success of their academic goals.
   
• Serve as a readily available, knowledgeable, concerned resource for students.
   
• Be an advocate for advisees.
   
• Have alternative choices for freshmen and sophomores as they may not get their first choice in classes.
   
• Make sure student remembers how to register themselves (This happens more than you think!)
   
• Check to see if the student has been or is currently or has been on probation or suspension (Know the hours and GPA requirements for suspension.)
   
• Be aware of resources available to assist them such as The Learning Center, The Counseling Center, the Writing Center.
   
• Initiate and know the university procedures such as Add-Drop, change of major. etc.