Advising
The University of Montana-Missoula maintains that academic advising
is an important part of the educational process. Establishing a friendly
and honest relationship with an academic advisor will be an advantage
to the UM student both personally and educationally. An effective
relationship with an advisor is one of the avenues through which students
come to realize the maximum educational benefits available to them,
learn to better understand themselves and to meet their special educational
needs and aspirations.
Academic advising is required each semester of all undergraduate students.
This mandatory advisement policy means that a student must obtain
the advisor's endorsement of his or her course selection. Students
are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor prior to registration
for the next semester to discuss plans and to secure schedule approval.
Students majoring in a department or school are assigned an academic
advisor from that unit. Each department may use a different process
in assigning advisors. In some cases, the person in charge of advising
for the program, the Advising Chair, does all the freshman advising.
Or, the student may be assigned an advisor in the major who seems
best suited to discuss particular academic interests.
Advisors assist students regarding class schedules, dropping or adding
courses, and graduation requirements. Advisors' signature lines are
provided on forms when they are required.
The University of Montana-Missoula encourages the enrollment of students
who are unsure of their educational and career plans. These students
are designated as General Studies students, and are assigned a faculty
member or peer advisor from a select advising pool through the Office
of Academic Advising in the University College. This advisor assists
the student in exploring various educational and career goals while
meeting the General Education Requirements. While many advisors are
faculty members from the departments, the University does involve
trained peer advisors and staff in the process. In the event a student
is dissatisfied with an assigned advisor, he or she may request a
change of advisor either from the department or through the University
College.
Although faculty advisors, peer advisors and the Director of the University
College and Office of Academic Advising are available to assist students,
it is important for students to realize that the ultimate responsibility
for meeting all graduation requirements is their own. Students can
increase their academic planning effectiveness by fully utilizing
the advising system, and by acquainting themselves with the academic
requirements of their major fields, University policies for registration
and graduation, and scholastic requirements. The UM catalog is the
official source of information on these matters.
The Provost's Advising council, in collaboration with appropriate
student groups, facilitates positive academic advising experiences
by: educating students about developing mentor relationships with
faculty and professional staff; educating students to understand their
responsibilities in the advising process; encouraging students to
fulfill their obligation to plan in advance for advising sessions;
and educating students on accepting responsibility for all advising
decisions.
Students with academic advising questions or concerns are invited
to contact the University College, Lommasson Center 269, The University
of Montana-Missoula, Missoula, MT 59812 or phone (406) 243 2835 or
the College of Technology (406) 243 7828.
Orientation
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Students who have made the decision to enroll at The University of
Montana are invited to campus to attend an orientation program. Participation
in orientation is the best way for new students to get acquainted
with the University. Orientation is designed for all students who
are new to UM, both first-time college students and students transferring
from another school.
UM offers three summer orientation sessions. If a student is unable
to attend a summer session, UM provides similar sessions at the beginning
of fall and spring semesters. All new students are assessed a $45.00
orientation fee, except students in the College of Technology. A College
of Technology orientation schedule is sent to all students accepted
to COT programs.
Typical events at orientation include an introduction to academic
programs, placement exams, academic advising appointments, information
sessions for campus support services, and events that help students
meet other students. Orientation participants also register for classes.
Orientation information is sent to all students who have been granted
admission to UM. Call Admissions & New Student Services for more
information at (406) 243 6266 or 1 800 462 8636 or the College of
Technology (406) 243 7828 or 1 800 542 6882.