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 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.

Students with academic advising questions or concerns are invited to contact the 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

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) 243-7882 or 1-800-542-6882.