WCU Academic Advising Statement 

University Mission Statement for Academic Advising

The West Chester University community embraces the concept that effective academic advising is a collaborative teaching and learning process between the student and the faculty advisor.  Effective advising should assist the student in achieving their academic, professional and personal goals.  Faculty advisors will strive to provide accurate, timely and current information, thus establishing the framework around which students will construct their academic program of study.

Academic Advising Description/Definition

Academic advising is an educational process that, by intention and design, facilitates students’ understanding of the meaning and purpose of higher education and fosters their intellectual and personal development toward academic success and lifelong learning. (NACADA, 2004)

Academic advising is a collaborative process whose success or failure will be determined by the active involvement of both advisor and advisee.

Responsibilities of the Academic Advisor include:

  • assisting students as they develop their academic programs of study by
  • exploring with students their individual interests, abilities, and goals;
  • aiding students in the creation of an academic plan; and
  • counseling students in the selection and sequencing of courses that meet the various degree requirements.
  • identifying university resources that may be of value to students and making appropriate referrals.
  • being aware of university academic policies and procedures as they relate to the needs of students.

Responsibilities of the Student in the Academic Advising relationship include:

  • meeting with your advisor at appropriate times during the semester.
  • being aware of important, relevant deadlines and then meeting them.
  • obtaining needed signatures on forms.
  • reviewing university policies and procedures as needed.
  • developing and clarifying the values and goals that impact your academic decisions.
  • creating an academic plan for your remaining semesters.
  • understanding the requirements for the major and minors.
  • understanding the general education requirement.
  • having knowledge of the undergraduate catalog and the information in the Undergraduate Course Schedule.
  • examining your academic record for accuracy on a regular basis.
  • saving all academic advising and course registration related documents.
  • being aware of prerequisites for the course you plan to take.
  • providing official transcripts for courses taken at other institutions.
  • recognizing the need for student resources and services on campus and using them.

Expected Student Learning Outcomes for the Advising Experience

Through the academic advising experiences in this program, students will

  • demonstrate the ability to make effective decisions concerning their degree and career goals.
  • develop an educational plan for successfully achieving their goals and select courses each semester to progress toward fulfilling that educational plan.
  • demonstrate an understanding of the value of the general education requirement.
  • utilize the resources and services on campus to asset them in achieving their academic, personal and career goals.
  • make use of referrals to campus resources as needed.
  • graduate in a timely and efficient manner based upon their educational plan.