7 Steps to Effeective Advising

SEVEN STEPS TO EFFECTIVE ADVISING IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PEHS
(In 20 minutes or more)

1. CONTACT your advisees when schedules become available
   1. E-mail addresses are on your current advising list
   2. Include the following: ask them to plan a schedule for the upcoming semester ask them to make an appointment to see you remind them to bring transfer equivalencies remind them to bring master planning forms
      
      
2. Clarify their Goals when they come for their appointment. Some examples follow.
   1. What degree are they seeking?
   2. Do they plan to complete their degree at BSU?
   3. You might offer advice on co-curricular activities such as athletic participation and relevant work experience.
      
      
3. Ask if they have a “MASTER” PLANNING DOCUMENT When they come for their appointment
   1. If not, show them grad planning documents on the BSU homepage
      1. found in Registration & Advising tab -> Records, Advising & Grad Plans -> then select the year of the catalog they are choosing
      2. you can print a copy for them to keep track of their completed classes.  This will make filing grad plans relatively easy
   2. Some students keep track in their catalog – that’s ok
      
      
4. Ask if they have taken the PPST if they are an education major – this should be done after the freshman year or during the second year.
   
   
5. Look at the SCHEDULE they have planned
   1. compare those classes to the curriculum – using the grad planning document or catalog
   2. Ask some of these questions
      1. Are they taking the classes in numerical order?  (They should be, approximately)
      2. Do they have the prerequisites for courses that they have selected?
      3. One time per year offerings.  Are they missing any classes that are only offered in the Spring/Fall.  This is important if the semester you are advising them for is the last spring semester they will attend classes.
      4. How many classes have they taken in Lib Ed?  How many areas are complete?  What areas are incomplete?
      
      
6. Solve problems
   1. Cannot fill their schedule with a full load
      1. look for classes in all majors, lib ed, specialist programs, etc.
      2. Look at the “Suggested Semester Schedule“, that follows each program in the catalog.
   2. Time conflicts
      1. Ask the instructors involved, see if it can be worked out
      2. Make use of external studies classes if they cannot wait for another semester
   3. Other
      1. Make phone calls to seek information  (Michelle Frenzel, Advising Services - 4005)
      2. Call other instructors to pull strings for them (if you want)
      3. Direct them to information
      
      
7. Make another appointment with them if necessary or wish them the best and remind them that you are available if they need help.
   
   

ATTACHMENT C: Academic Planning Worksheet form for recording student progress through the semesters

ATTACHMENT D: Registration Planning Form
Form for completion of Semester Plan