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orientation and advising resources
RESOURCES



There are a number of resources available to help students make a successful transition from high school. Some of these resources will help students develop a sense of community while others can help insure academic success. In order for students to benefit from the many resources and opportunities available to them at UM, it is essential that they take the initiative to use them. Here are a few of the resources available to students:

Orientation Resources

Office of New Student Programs
3511 Student Activities Building, (734) 764-6413
http://www.onsp.umich.edu/

· Orientation Programs
All incoming first-year and transfer students attend orientation, which begins their introduction to the educational, cultural, and intellectual opportunities of the University. During orientation students take placement tests, receive academic advising, and register for classes.
· Welcome to Michigan Program
Welcome to Michigan is a week of programs designed to assist students in making a meaningful, smooth, and enjoyable transition to college life at UM and to help them become familiar with, and feel connected to, the campus as a learning community.
· University Mentorship Program
The University Mentorship Program provides incoming first-year students with a unique opportunity to build a relationship with a faculty or staff volunteer. Incoming students who apply and are accepted into the program are matched by academic and/or career interests with a faculty or staff mentor and a peer undergraduate mentor. Three other first-year students will round out the group. The mentors provide students with guidance and support for a successful experience at the University of Michigan.

Advising Resources

An academic advisor is one of the most important resources a student has on campus, especially one as large as UM. In a university of this size, students must learn to take initiative in their academic interactions and take charge of their educational development. Most new college students have not had much experience with these sorts of responsibilities. Having an advisor helps students "learn the ropes," makes the way smoother, and leads most quickly to success.

Advisors can help students learn how to use the resources available to them. Students turn to their advisor for direction as they develop an academic program, evaluation of their study and time management skills, determination of the difference between high school and college courses, or help in approaching an instructor. Your student's advisor is the logical person with whom to discuss his/her thoughts about possible concentrations, academic and career goals or any uncertainty that your student might have about his/her future.

It's a good idea for students to see an advisor on a regular basis. The more the advisor knows about an individual student's goals, the more useful the advice will be. To help students more easily find the time to see an advisor on a regular basis, advisors have many appointments available during business hours at the Academic Advising Center and hold weekly office hours in the residence halls.

Academic Advising Center
1255 Angell Hall, (734) 764-0332

The Academic Advising Center serves LS&A undergraduates by:

  • Helping them make informed decisions about educational goals and the LS&A curriculum.
  • Encouraging them to formulate an academic program appropriate to their interests and abilities.
    · Assisting them in evaluating their academic progress and performance.
  • Providing them accurate information about LS&A policies and procedures.
  • Furnishing them an opportunity to explore the purposes of a liberal arts education.

At orientation, students are assigned an LS&A general advisor who will tailor advice to individual students' needs. Students are encouraged to keep in close contact with their advisor throughout their undergraduate career and to get to know their advisor personally.

General Advisors are available to discuss degree requirements, rules, deadlines, procedures, academic plans, and study skills.

Concentration Advisors are available to discuss particular requirements of each department's concentration. Appointments are generally made through individual departments.

Bachelor in General Studies (BGS) Advisors are available to discuss requirements and the design of a Bachelor in General Studies degree.

Individual Concentration Program (ICP) Advisor is available to discuss the feasibility of designing an individualized concentration. Recent ICPs include community studies, environmental studies, and international relations.

Pre-law, pre-health, and pre-business Advisors are available to discuss options and entrance requirements for these graduate programs.

Specialty Advisors in pre-architecture, pre-engineering, School of Education, School of Music, and Study Abroad are available to LS&A students interested in those programs.

Residence Hall Advising LS&A Academic Advisors holds weekly office hours on site at the residence halls.

Academic Peer Advisor (APA) Trained peer advisors, living in the residence halls, are available to discuss basic academic information.

LS&A Peer Academic Advising Office (PAAO)
G150 Angell Hall, (734) 763-1553
PAAO is staffed completely by undergraduates. Providing peer advising, PAAO presents students with an opportunity to share and receive experiences in an informal fashion. The office maintains such resources as course evaluations and examinations. PAAO also stocks graduate catalogs from schools across the country as well as the latest in post graduation materials.

Assistant Dean for Student Academic Affairs
1228 Angell Hall, (734) 764-7297

The Assistant Dean for Student Academic Affairs (SAA) is responsible for policies and procedures that affect the academic lives of students. Additionally, the Assistant Dean coordinates the work of the LS&A Academic Judiciary Committee, which is responsible for ensuring principles of fairness and due process in cases of academic misconduct. Also, the Assistant Dean serves as a liaison between SAA staff, faculty, departments, and programs within LS&A and thoughout the university. Finally, the Assistant Dean acts as an ombudsperson helping resolve problems between students and instructors or students and departments.

Academic Standards Board
1255 Angell Hall, (734) 764-0311 or (734) 764-0332

Members of the Academic Standards Board help students individualize their programs of study and may grant exceptions to College-level academic policies and degree requirements. A student may discuss with a member and, if necessary, petition in writing for a waiver or modification of College rules. (Honors students petition the Honors Program Office; Residential College students petition the RC Academic Advising Office.) They also administer academic discipline. The purpose of academic discipline is to help foster good performance and to protect a student's chance of graduating from the College. The Board has further responsibility for interpreting academic standards and for readmitting students dismissed because of unsatisfactory performance.

Academic Auditors
G255 Angell Hall, (734) 763-3101

Academic Auditors check for completion of all LS&A requirements upon submission of graduation materials, inform students of their progress toward graduation, and authorize graduation. They can also provide a Verification of Graduation letter which states that requirements have been met and a degree will be awarded.


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