Working with your Academic Advisor

You have been assigned to a faculty member who will provide academic and general education guidance. The advising process is designed to help you make important decisions related to your academic progress at SNHU. As a new student, you should become familiar with your advisor, their role and the advising process. 

Responsibilities of your Academic Advisor (see roles and responsibilities of an advisor)
1. Help students define and develop realistic goals.
2. Identify special needs.
3. Match students to available resources.
4. Assist students with planning a program consistent with abilities and interests.
5. Monitor progress toward educational and career goals by reviewing academic transcripts/program planning sheets.
6. Discuss linkage between academic preparation and “world of work.”

What You and Your Advisor Should Do

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• Contact and keep in touch with your
  advisor
• Make and keep appointments or call if it
  is necessary to change or cancel
• Come with specific questions in mind
• Come with necessary materials (planning sheet, registration form, etc.)
• Ask about other sources if information
• Be open and honest concerning school work, study habits, academic progress, etc.
• Build a schedule free of conflicts in time and list alternate courses and sections
• Make decisions concerning careers, choice of majors and selection of courses

Responsibilities of the Student

• Clarify personal values and goals.  Reflect on why you wish to take particular classes and what you hope to accomplish with your SNHU education.
• Be knowledgeable about SNHU policies, procedures, and requirements.  Become familiar with the catalog and read course descriptions prior to your advisor appointments.
• Accept responsibility for decisions.
• Come to advising appointments prepared and on-time.

As a student you have a responsibility to

• Schedule periodic appointments with their advisor and come prepared.
• Be familiar with the academic calendar, course registration deadlines, final exam schedules, etc.
• Know the degree requirements for their major and graduation.
• Understand the academic policies and procedures as outlined in the university catalog.
• Maintain a record of progress toward their educational goals and ultimately graduation.
• Inform their advisor, Academic Advising Office, and the Registrar of discrepancies between their records and the records of the university.
• Learn about and utilize the university resources available to students.
• Attend all classes.
• Seek clarification from their advisor, Academic Advising Office, or appropriate university resources when they need assistance or have questions or concerns about course, major or degree requirements, academic policies, etc.
• See your Advisor
  1. To discuss any challenges/issues which affect your academic performance.
  2. To select courses for the upcoming semester.
  3. To discuss academic progress.
  4. For information about declaring/changing a major.
  5. To discuss career considerations and request information about resources.

How to See Your Advisor

• Become familiar with your advisor’s office hours and schedule.  This information is posted at each office location and on the bulletin board outside of the Academic Advising Office in Exeter 59.
• Whenever possible, call and schedule an appointment.
• If it is necessary to drop by without an appointment, try to do so at a time when your advisor has posted office hours, and allow plenty of time in case you have to wait to see your advisor.
• E-mail your advisor with any questions or updates.