Academic Advising and Orientation

Pages 16-17

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 during the Advanced Registration period each semester to discuss plans for the next semester and to secure approval. College of Technology students and students who did not advance register, must meet with an advisor before Final Registration to obtain 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. College of Technology students are assigned faculty advisors upon enrollment. 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 will assist 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 you are dissatisfied with your assigned advisor or if your schedules do not mesh, you may request a change of advisor either from the department or from the University's Director of Academic Advising.

Although faculty advisors, peer advisors and the Director of Academic Advising are here to help, 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 and is available upon request from Admissions & New Student Services or the College of Technology.

Students with academic advising questions or concerns are invited to contact the Director of Academic Advising, University College, Corbin Hall, The University of Montana-Missoula, Missoula, MT 59812 or phone (406) 243-2835 or the College of Technology (406) 243-7882.

Orientation

Participation in an Orientation session is the best way for new students to get acquainted with the University. Students who plan to start school autumn semester can attend one of three summer orientation programs or, if enrolling in the College of Technology, the orientation program immediately preceding registration in August. Students must be admitted to the University before attending an orientation program. Registration for the summer orientation programs is required and space is limited.

There is also an orientation program in August before autumn registration for students who cannot attend a summer program. Students beginning spring semester can attend orientation in January. 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.

All new undergraduate students are assessed a $45 orientation fee except students in the College of Technology. A College of Technology orientation schedule is sent to all students accepted for their programs. Information about the other orientations is sent to all students who have applied for admission. Call Admissions & New Student Services for more information at (406) 243-6266 or 1-800-462-8636 or the College of Technology (406) 243-7882 or 1-800-542-6882.


95-96 UM Undergraduate Catalog