 What do advisers do? › Help students to become “connected” to campus. › Work with students to establish academic and vocational goals. › Help you identify possible majors and minors. › Assist students with appropriate course selection. › Provide referrals to a variety of campus resources.  Who is your adviser? › You can find out by visiting my.nmu.edu  Sign in to MyNMU   Student Services tab   View General Student Record   Submit Current Term   Adviser’s name will show (it’s also a link to their contact information).

 Help is available…but where? › The Academic and Career Advisement Center (ACAC) provides academic advising services to all NMU students. The Academic and Career Advisement Center  Many students visit ACAC for help with major selection, career exploration, and course registration, and informal degree evaluations. › Faculty Advisers generally work with students who have declared their academic major.  For example, a Marketing major will be assigned a faculty adviser from NMU’s College of Business. › NMU’s Virtual Adviser is always available!  Can be helpful when your adviser is not immediately available.  NOT a substitute for your adviser or regularly scheduled adviser meetings.  Check it out here.here › If you’re not sure where you should start, ask your Resident Adviser…they will help you get headed in the right direction.

 Take an active role! › Initiate contact with your adviser early in the semester ( , phone call, office visit?) › Schedule an appointment…and plan to meet throughout the semester. › Familiarize yourself with NMU’s Liberal Studies requirements. › Download advising sheets for potential majors here. here › BEFORE you meet with your adviser, THINK ABOUT:  Courses that interest you.  Do you need pre-requisites?  What “worked” well this semester? What didn’t?  What majors interest you? Do a little research.  Possible career “pathways”.

 Be forthcoming: › Discuss what you like/dislike about your schedule. › Share academic difficulties you are experiencing. › Know what you don’t want. › Try and be specific about what you do want. › What’s the big picture?  Ask about: › Holds on your account. › Job-shadowing opportunities. › Internships. › What’s your academic standing? › The next meeting.  Be open: › Be open to suggestions, consider new ideas and approaches. › Consider alternative course options. › Don’t be offended is you are encouraged to use campus resources (All-Campus Tutoring, The Writing Center, etc.)

 Both the adviser and student are responsible for contributing to a successful advising relationship.  Do your best to be prepared for meetings with your adviser.  Advising is a process…give it the time and attention it deserves.  A solution-oriented approach is essential to a positive advising experience.

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