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 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
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