Idaho State University continues ‘Be Advised’ campaign to benefit students

Idaho State University is continuing its "Be Advised" campaign to encourage students to reap the benefits of good advising prior to registering for spring classes in November.

"Students should meet with their advisor prior to each registration period to understand program requirements, check their progress towards graduation, learn of updates or changes to department or university requirements, and determine the best course of action for their situation," said JoAnn Hertz, director of ISU Central Academic Advising.

"Interaction with departmental faculty who are experts in their field, or with professional advisors who are experts at preparing students for academic success, provides an advantage to any student who seeks it," she added.

The campaign led by Central Academic Advising, a unit of the Student Success Center, directs students to pursue the information they need to progress towards attaining their chosen degree program.

The benefits of advising are many and include:

• direct contact with faculty;

• access to up-to-date information from the department;

• assistance with long-range degree completion planning;

• opportunity to expand discipline knowledge on an informal basis;

• understanding what is needed to stay on track to graduation; and

• referrals and invitations to relevant learning opportunities outside of the classroom.

The Spring 2012 Class Schedule opens for viewing on Oct.  21. Class level registration begins at 12:01 a.m. for each class level on the following days: 

• Senior, Graduate, and Post Baccalaureate (90+ credits): Monday, Nov.  7

• Junior (58 or more credits): Wednesday, Nov. 9

• Sophomore (26 or more credits): Friday, Nov. 11

• Freshman (25 or fewer credits): Monday, Nov. 14

Freshmen, and students unsure of their major, are advised by Central Academic Advising until they are ready to formally declare a major. Undecided students are encouraged to meet with a career counselor in the ISU Career Center for structured guidance in selecting a major. Students are more likely to make consistent progress towards their degree if they choose a major after investigating the fit between their interests and abilities. 

"Students benefit by developing a professional relationship with faculty who can write recommendation letters for research or internship opportunities or serve as a scholarship reference," Hertz said. "Faculty advisors can also help with career questions and graduate school applications."

Advisors and advisees have a shared responsibility when it comes to the advising relationship. Students should expect advisors to provide information, be accessible, encourage educational engagement and assist with attaining educational goals.

Advisors expect students to meet with them each semester, read the catalog or Web site information, be prepared for the advising session, ask questions, and assume final responsibility for course scheduling, program planning and the successful completion of graduation requirements.

Registration assistance is available during regular business hours in the Office of the Registrar and Central Academic Advising centers in Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Meridian, and Twin Falls.

For more information, contact ISU Central Academic Advising at (208) 282-3277 or advinfo@isu.edu.

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