Advising
Academic advising is an important part of the education process at The University of Montana. It is a personal and educational advantage to the UM student who establishes a friendly and honest relationship with an academic advisor. 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 goals.
All undergraduate students are required to meet with their advisor at least one each semester. The mandatory advisement policy requires that a student must obtain the advisor’s endorsement of his or her course selections. Students meet with an advisor prior to registration for the next semester to review educational progress, discuss plans and secure schedule approval.
Students majoring in a department or school are assigned an academic advisor from that unit. Departments use different processes in assigning advisors. In some cases, the person in charge of advising for the department or program, the Advising Chair or Coordinator, does all the freshman advising. In some cases, the student may be assigned an advisor in the major who seems best suited to discuss particular academic interests or who represents one of the various options in the major.
Academic advisors assist students regarding class schedules, dropping or adding courses, by making referrals to appropriate academic or personal assistance programs and the various requirements for graduation. Advisors’ signature lines are provided on forms when it seems necessary for a student to visit with the advisor to make an appropriate educational decision.
The University of Montana-Missoula encourages the enrollment of students who are uncertain of their education and career plans. These students are designated as Undeclared students. Undeclared students are assigned a faculty advisor or a student (peer) from a select advising pool through the Undergraduate Advising Center. 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, staff and professional advisors in the process. In the event that a student does not know who his or her advisor is or is dissatisfied with an assigned advisor, he or she may request advisor information or a change of advisor either from the department or through the Undergraduate Advising Center.
Although faculty advisors, peer advisors and the Director of the Undergraduate Advising Center are all available to assist students, it is important for students to realize that the ultimate responsibility for meeting all graduation requirements is their own. Students 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.
Faculty, staff and student advisors facilitate positive academic advising experiences by: educating students about developing mentoring relationshi6ps 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 Undergraduate Advising Center, Lommasson Center 269, The University of Montana-Missoula, Missoula, MT 59812 or telephone (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 $60.00 orientation fee and new transfer students are assessed a $50.00 orientation fee. New students in the College of Technology are assessed a $15.00 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.