How to use an academic advisor, or, popular myths about advising

Academic Advisors

The first thing to know is that your college academic advisor is not like your high school guidance counselor. An academic advisor is one of the most important resources a student has on campus, especially one as large as the University of Michigan. In a university of this size, individual students must learn to take the initiative in their interactions with instructors, libraries, labs, etc., and they have to learn how to take charge of their education. Most new college students have not had much experience with these sorts of responsibilities; having an advisor to help you "learn the ropes" makes the way smoother and leads most quickly to success.

The advisor is your key to learning what is available here for you to use and how to make the most of these opportunities. This is a person you can turn to for help when you need direction, advice in planning your elections, evaluation of your study and time management skills, determination of the difference between high school and college courses, or help in approaching a college instructor. Your advisor is the logical person with whom to discuss your thoughts about possible concentrations, academic and career goals, or any uncertainty that you might have about where you want to go and what you want to do.

It's a good idea to see your advisor on a regular basis. The more your advisor knows about you and your goals, the more useful the advice will be. To help you more easily find the time to see your advisor on a regular basis, the Academic Advising Center has arranged for an academic advisor to hold weekly office hours in your residence hall. It's a good way to get to know your advisor.

A general academic advisor will:

1. Help you create an academic plan that will allow you to discover and pursue your academic interests.
2. Inform you about degree requirements and college policies and procedures.
3. Describe course options and useful campus resources.
4. Help you learn better study and time management skills.
5. Help you decide upon a concentration best fitted to your skills, interests, and future goals.
6. Help you plan strategies to achieve your goals.
7. Help you handle any academic difficulty you may encounter.
8. Be a skilled contact in making the university work for you.

A concentration advisor will:

1. Explain the concentration requirements.
2. Waive concentration requirements or require additional course work depending on the background and experience of the individual student.
3. Assess what courses are still needed to complete the concentration plan.
4. Review residency requirements for students who may wish to complete some remaining courses out-of-residence.

An academic advisor cannot:

1. Make your decisions for you – tell you what you should concentrate in or what classes you should take. Advisors can describe logical options for your circumstances and your aspirations and give you the information you need to make logical, informed decisions.
2. Tell you what is a "good class." What makes a class "good" depends entirely upon your skills, interests, and goals. What's "good" for one student is not necessarily "good" for another.
3. Help you very much with specific problems or situations if you wait too long to discuss them. Problems don't go away when you ignore them; they only get worse. Usually there are more options available to correct or improve a situation the earlier you address it.

LS&A Advising Resources

Academic Advising Center
Alice Reinarz, Director
1255 AH · 764-0332

Our Mission

Consonant with Socrates' dictum that the unexamined life is not worth living, we encourage students to:

• examine themselves and the world around them;
• explore the liberal arts curriculum, a curriculum which provides a forum in which students can question who they are and who they want to become by providing the opportunity to reflect on the various ways humans have lived and the questions they have found worth asking;
• develop academic passions that they will want to pursue after they leave the University of Michigan.

The Academic Advising Center serves LS&A undergraduates by:

1. Helping them make informed decisions about educational goals and the LS&A curriculum.
2. Encouraging them to formulate an academic program appropriate to their individual interests and abilities.
3. Assisting them in evaluating their academic progress and performance.
4. Providing them accurate information about LS&A policies and procedures.
5. 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
1255 Angell Hall · 764-0332

Available to discuss general degree requirements, rules, deadlines, procedures, academic plans and options, and study skills and strategies.

Concentration Advisors

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

Bachelor in General Studies (BGS) Advisors
1255 Angell Hall · 764-0332

Available to discuss requirements and the design of a Bachelor in General Studies degree.

Individual Concentration Program (ICP) Advisors
1255 Angell Hall · 764-0332

Available to discuss the Individual Concentrations Program (a concentration specifically designed by the student).

Pre-Professional Advisors
1255 Angell Hall · 764-0332

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

Specialty Advisors
1255 Angell Hall · 764-0332

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

Students' Counseling Office (SCO) G150 Angell Hall · 763-1553

The LS&A Students' Counseling Office is staffed completely by undergraduates. Providing peer counseling, SCO presents students with an opportunity to share and receive experiences in an informal fashion. The office maintains such resources as course evaluations and examinations. SCO also stocks graduate catalogs from schools across the country as well as the latest in post graduation materials.

Residence Hall Advising

An LS&A academic advisor is assigned to each residence hall and holds weekly office hours on site.

Academic Peer Advisor (APA)

A trained peer advisor living in your residence hall is available to discuss basic academic information.

E-Mail Advising

Advisors communicate with their students on a regular basis throughout the year via e-mail. You can contact your academic advisor via e-mail or message:

Ask.LSA.Advising@umich.edu

Student Academic Affairs Website:
http://www.lsa.umich.edu/saa/

On-line information on degree requirements, resources, and programs.

Academic Standards Board
Charles A. Judge, Director
1255 AH · 764-0311 or 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 Counseling 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 readmitting students dismissed because of unsatisfactory performance and for interpreting academic standards.

Honors Office

1228 Angell Hall · (734) 764-6274

Handles all advising for students in the LS&A Honors Program. (See page 13 for further information.)

Residential College Counseling Office

134 Tyler (East Quadrangle) · (734) 763-0032

Responsible for academic advising and academic actions involving Residential College students. (See page 14 for further information.)

Comprehensive Studies Program (CSP)

G155 Angell Hall · (734) 764-9128

Provides academic advising, mentoring and tutoring to minority and other LS&A undergraduates desiring supportive services. (See page 13 for further information.)

Academic Auditors

1409 Mason Hall · (734) 763-3101

Check for the completion of all LS&A degree requirements once graduation materials have been submitted, inform students of their progress toward graduation, and authorize graduation. They can provide a Letter of Certification that requirements have been met and a degree will be awarded.

LS&A Academic Information and Publications

G411 Mason Hall · (734) 764-6810

Offers current information about LS&A academic policies, procedures, LS&A courses, and LS&A closed course/section information, and maintains the Student Academic Affairs website (http://www.lsa.umich.edu/saa). The Office of LS&A Academic Information and Publications is also responsible for publication of the LS&A Bulletin, Course Guides, and the First­Year Handbook.

Assistant Dean for Student Academic Affairs

1402 Mason Hall · (734) 764-7297

Overall administration of LS&A Student Academic Affairs is the responsibility of the Assistant Dean. Policy and procedure matters are handled in this office, and academic judicial policy is administered by the Assistant Dean. This office also handles LS&A Scholarship requests and other exceptional situations which may arise in student/instructor relationships.

LS&A Scholarships

1413 Mason Hall · (734) 647-9285

Undergraduates who have completed at least one term in LS&A may apply for LS&A Scholarships. Students must have a high GPA and must show financial need.

Academic Resources

English Composition Board (ECB)
Theresa Tinkle, Director
1139 Angell Hall; (734) 764-0429
http://www.lsa.umich.edu/ecb

The English Composition Board helps students write successfully in their undergraduate courses. One of the most valuable services offered by the ECB is the Writing Workshop. Any LS&A student, any student enrolled in an LS&A course, and any graduate student may make an appointment with an experienced ECB faculty member to obtain help with writing assignments, assistance in analyzing a first draft, developing an argument and polishing a paper, personal statements for graduate or professional schools, or help with a specific writing problem (e.g. writer's block). Students seeking assistance may drop in or make an appointment by calling (734) 764-0429 to meet individually with a faculty member. The Writing Workshop is in 1111 Angell Hall during the day, in residence halls on several evenings, and in the Undergraduate Library on the weekend.

English Language Institute (ELI)
John M. Swales, Director
3004 North University Building
(734) 764-2413
http://www.lsa.umich.edu/eli/

The English Language Institute offers instruction in the English language to non-native speakers enrolled in the University. The main purpose of this instruction is to help non-native speakers to become effective and fully participating members of the academic community. In addition, the ELI offers workshops in the Spring and Summer for International Teaching Assistants (ITA) in conjunction with the Center for Research on
Learning and Teaching (CRLT) and offers language courses throughout the academic year for non-native speaking ITAs which address the communicative language needs of classroom, lab, and office hours.

The ELI operates a Writing Clinic and a Speaking Clinic as one-on-one facilities for those who have taken or are taking ELI courses in the relevant areas or are deemed not to need regular classroom instruction.

International Center
Zahir Ahmed, Director
603 E. Madison
Ground Floor (South Wing)
Michigan Union; (734) 764-9310
http://www.umich.edu/~icenter

The International Center provides information, advice, and referrals for those in the University community who are participating in or considering an international experience. American and international students, faculty, staff, visiting scholars, and alumni may obtain information regarding options for overseas study, scholarships, internships, work, volunteering, travel, and international careers through individual consulting and informational programs.

University of Michigan international students and scholars can rely on the International Center for support services, general information, orientation, and advice about visa and immigration issues, employment, cross-cultural issues, taxation, health insurance, and other practical concerns important to the successful program completion and quality of life of international students.

Language Resource Center
Monika Dressler, Director
2018 Modern Languages Bldg.
(734) 764-0424
http://www.umich.edu/~langres/

After the UM Stadium and the Diag, the Language Resource Center (LRC) may be the most frequented site on Central Campus for first-year students. The LRC houses a variety of state-of-the-art multimedia equipment to enable students to practice with the audio, video and computerbased materials used in all introductory language and literature courses. A large number of materials – particularly international television pro
gramming brought in from one of the LRC's three satellite dishes, as well as computer-based programs – are available for students who just want to browse.

Math Lab
Robert E. Megginson, Director
B860 East Hall; (734) 936-0160
http://www.math.lsa.umich.edu/misc/mathlab-news.html

The Mathematics Laboratory is a free walk-in tutoring service for students enrolled in mathematics courses through Math 216. The Math Lab tutors are advanced undergraduates in mathematics and mathematicallyoriented fields who are selected for their expertise and ability to explain mathematics. Graduate student instructors and faculty volunteers also participate. Math Lab hours are 10 A.M.-4 P.M. and 7-9 P.M. Monday through Thursday; 10 A.M.-2 P.M. Friday; and 2-4 P.M. Sunday. No appointment is necessary.

Science Learning Center
Claire Sandler, Director
1720 Dow; (734) 764-9326
http://www.umich.edu/~slc

The Science Learning Center (SLC) is an interdisciplinary resource center provided by the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts to support teaching and learning in the five natural science departments: astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, and physics.

Located in the atrium of the Chemistry Building, the SLC facilities include instructional technology labs, teaching assistant and study group meeting alcoves, and a loan desk for reserve and research materials. The Center's equipment and staff activities are all directed toward the goal of improving student learning and involvement in the sciences, particularly in the introductory courses.

The SLC endeavors to help students, faculty, and GSIs build a learning community where students become scientists.

Services for Students with Disabilities
Sam Goodin, Director
G625 Haven Hall; (734) 763-3000
http://www.umich.edu/~sswd/ssd/index.html

The University's Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) provides assistance regarding academic, economic, social, and recreational activities to students who have documented disabilities. Specific services available through SSD include counseling, assistance with classroom accommodations, volunteer readers and note takers, sign language and oral interpreters, peer tutors, accessible transportation, orientation and registration assistance, special scholarships, tape recorders and talking calculators, and aids for reading and studying, such as Braille and large print materials, adaptive computer technology and telecommunication devices for the deaf. Staff in SSD also serve as intermediaries and advocates for students with disabilities.

Learning Communities

Comprehensive Studies Program (CSP)
William Collins, Director
G155 Angell Hall; (734) 764-9128

The Comprehensive Studies Program (CSP) provides support services to more than 2,000 University of Michigan undergraduates, 500 of them first-year students. Intensive course sections, smaller than most classes, are enriched classes that meet an additional hour each week. These introductory classes are offered in biology, chemistry, English, mathematics, physics, and Spanish. In addition, CSP provides tutorials for several LS&A courses in which students can benefit from personal attention, such as courses in foreign language, the natural sciences, economics, math, and accounting. Academic advising and personalized counseling happens frequently if you participate in CSP. An advisor will be assigned to you who will help you explore your interests, aptitudes, needs, academic goals, and career objectives. You'll probably meet with the same counselor from the time of your orientation to the time you graduate. Many of the advisors have specialized training so they can help on a wide range of practical and personal issues.

Honors Program
Rob Van der Voo, Director
1218 Angell Hall; (734) 764-6274
http://www.lsa.umich.edu/honors

Honors is a four-year program that provides opportunities to students with superior ability for greater depth of study throughout the undergraduate years. Among the features of the Honors Program are special honors courses and honors sections in regular courses, opportunities to participate in the research projects of faculty members, or in individual research, faculty-student seminars, special academic advising, and summer independent reading for academic credit. Students are admitted to the Honors Program by invitation of the Director, though in
quiries are welcomed from any highly motivated student.

First-Year Seminar Program
http://www.lsa.umich.edu/dean/ug/fys/

A First-Year Seminar is a small-group class (typically 25 students or fewer) that focuses on a specialized topic of broad interest or current concern. First-Year Seminars require no advanced preparation, are open to all first-year students without any prerequisites, and can be used to fulfill some of the College's general requirements.

Taught by members of the faculty selected from all areas of the College, seminars provide a unique educational experience for entering students to participate actively in their own education. The small-group format of the course provides many opportunities for students to develop skills in critical thinking and communication through class discussions, oral presentations and reports, and varied writing assignments.

International Programs
(Study Abroad)
Carol W. Dickerman, Director
G513 Michigan Union;
(734) 764-4311
http://www.umich.edu/~iinet/oip/

The Office of International Programs administers University of Michigan academic-year and summer study abroad programs in countries throughout the world. It also provides academic counseling on all aspects of international study. Students who are considering study abroad are encouraged to dropin anytime from 8 AM-5 PM, Monday-Friday; no appointment is required. Students may also wish to attend the annual Study Abroad Fair in October and information meetings about particular programs in November of each year as they begin to consider which programs may best suit them.

Language Across the Curriculum

The Language Across the Curriculum (LAC) Program provides opportunities for students to use and enhance their language skills while studying in subject areas of interest, and to develop a heightened awareness of international issues through the use of primary and secondary sources studied in their original languages. Each term the LAC Program sponsors content-based courses in a range of departments from all divisions of the College; some or all of the instruction and course materials are in a language other than English. Participation in the LAC Program is open to all students who have completed the Language Requirement and achieved fourth-term language proficiency. Students who have participated in the LAC Program can receive certification of Advanced Language Study and Advanced Language Competence.

Lloyd Hall Scholars Program (LHSP)
William Ingram, Director
Alice Lloyd Hall; (734) 764-7521
http://www.lsa.umich.edu/lhsp/

The Lloyd Hall Scholars Program offers a collegial, interdisciplinary, academic environment in which entering students can enjoy the personal and intellectual advantages of a small group setting while exploring the resources of the larger University. A number of LS&A courses are taught in the Hall, usually by instructors who themselves live in the Hall. Sound academic counseling and a strong range of co-curricular activities are key aspects of the Program. An historic leader of multicultural understanding on this campus, the Program admits each year about 300 first-year students, more than 60% from out-of-state.

Residential College (RC)
Thomas Weisskopf, Director
133 East Quad; (734) 763-0176
http://www.rc.lsa.umich.edu/

The Residential College (RC) is a four-year degree-granting college within LS&A devoted exclusively to undergraduate education. It has classrooms, faculty, and counseling offices, studios and residence facilities located in East Quadrangle, an average enrollment of 950 students, and a faculty of about 50 professors and lecturers in social sciences, humanities, sciences, arts, music, and languages. The goal of the RC is to provide its students with a liberal arts education within an atmosphere that fosters the pursuit of academic excellence and encourages the development of their individual interests and talents. RC classes are small and informal with free and often lively exchange of ideas between faculty and students.

21st Century Program
Marita Rosch Inglehart, Director
1503 Washington Heights;
(734) 647-4860
http://www.lsa.umich.edu/21st/

The 21stCentury Program provides an academic experience for tomorrow's leaders in a diverse world. The 21st Century Program offers advantages of close contact with staff and a friendly social environment while enhancing access to the numerous resources of the University of
Michigan through unique activities. The seminar is a weekly opportunity to explore issues of importance to students during their undergraduate years. The subject mastery workshops (in math, chemistry, English, and physics) emphasize collaborative learning. Students applying to the Program agree to a five hour a week commitment to participate in a seminar and workshop and live in Mary Markley Residence Hall.

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP)
Sandra R. Gregerman, Director
L110 West Quad Annex;
(734) 747-2768
http://www.umich.edu/~urop/home.html

UROP is an opportunity for first- and second-year students to form research partnerships with leading UM faculty engaged in original research. The program features over 200 research projects covering most academic disciplines, special student services including peer advising, research peer groups, academic and career workshops, and the opportunity to earn either academic credit or work-study pay for conducting research.

Women in Science & Engineering Residence Program (WISE)
Sally Ann Sharp, Director
Mosher-Jordan Hall; (734) 936-6536
http://www.umich.edu/umwise/

The Women in Science and Engineering Residence Program is designed for students concentrating in science, mathematics, or engineering. Students live together and are invited to participate in a number of varied academic and social activities throughout the year. Among Program offerings: course sections specifically reserved for Program members (math and chemistry); academic and career workshops; study groups; and awesome tutors Students completing their first year who remain in the program may become Big Sisters to new first-year students.

Transition Resources

Office of New Student Programs
Ann Hower, Director
3511 Student Activities Building
(734) 764-6413
http://www.umich.edu/~orient/

The Office of New Student Programs is a central point for new students to receive information about the University. It serves as a referral place for new students, directing them to the support services and resources on campus. The components of this office, collaboratively serving new students, are:

· Orientation Programs
Ann Hower, Coordinator

All incoming first-year and transfer students attend orientation either during the summer or immediately before the start of the term. Orientation begins the 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
Jennifer Cross, Coordinator

Welcome to Michigan is a week of programs and activities (Fall Term) designed to welcome and introduce new students to the University and the surrounding community. The primary goals of the program are to assist students in making meaningful, smooth, and enjoyable transition to college life and to help students 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.