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 Academic Advising committee, 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
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 autumn and spring semesters. On the mountain campus
new freshmen students are assessed a $50.00 orientation fee and
new transfer students are assessed a $60.00 orientation fee. New
students in the College of Technology are assessed a $7.00 orientation
fee. 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 Enrollment Services-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.