The Four-Year Advising Discussion Guide

Advisors initiate discussions with their advisees in the areas noted.

First Year: Exploration Who am I?

Discover Passions

• How the Liberal Arts and Science Curriculum contribute to an educated person
• Personal and academic skills, abilities, interest, and values that help explore majors

Develop Intellectually

• Critical thinking skills, academic success strategies and positive learning attitudes
• College resources
• Academic integrity
• Satisfactory academic progress
• How to find and use the Degree Audit Report (DAR)
• Graduation requirements and major requirements
• Connections between LASC courses and major curriculum courses

Shape a Changing World and Participate as a Community Member

• The roles and responsibilities that characterize successful advisor-advisee relationships (Advising Expectations)
• The mission of MSUM
• Behaviors that promote wellness and advance a healthy campus and community
• The importance of meaningful relationships with faculty, staff and students
• The importance of participation in the campus community
• The significance of cultures for self and others
• Understand personal finances and student debt management

Advisors initiate discussions with their advisees in the areas noted.

Second Year: Reflection Who do I really want to become?

Discover Passions

• Choosing and/or committing to a major
• Sources for academic majors and career information

Develop Intellectually

• How to shape an academic identity
• On- and off- campus learning opportunities
• Realistic academic and personal expectations
• Scholarship and research opportunities
• Leadership opportunities in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities
• Confirm requirements specific to major

Shape a Changing World and Participate as a Community Member

• The benefit of engaging differences
• The responsibility of contributing to the campus and broader community through meaningful service and leadership
• Serving as role model for first-year students and others

Advisors initiate discussions with their advisees in the areas noted.

Third Year: Clarification What is my place in the world?

Discover Passions

• Internships and a well-rounded education
• Graduate school options and the necessary preparation for acceptance

Develop Intellectually

• Graduation policies and requirements
• Opportunities to participate in public lectures, presentations and scholarly research
• Assuming academic and co-curricular leadership
• Junior DAR review and plan for completion of graduation requirements

Shape a Changing World and Participate as a Community Member

• The importance of ongoing relationships with two or three key faculty
• The roles and responsibilities that come with being an upperclassman both on and off campus
• Essential connections between classroom and out-of-classroom learning

Advisors initiate discussions with their advisees in the areas noted.

Fourth Year: Transition How can I shape a changing world?

Discover Passions

• Career opportunities in major and beyond

Develop Intellectually

• Final check on degree/graduation requirements
• Application for graduation at last advising meeting
• Specific plans and preparations for graduate study
• Resources available to help with transition

Shape a Changing World and Participate as a Community Member

• How to tell my MSUM story
• How to establish mentoring relationships with alumni and other key professionals
• Evaluate leadership roles on and off campus
• How an MSUM degree is preparation for a changing world
• What it means to be a MSUM Alumnus