1. Welcome to the Academic Connection with the Academic Advising Center Transfer Orientation Academic Connection Session

2. Today’s Goals Provide overview of:  The mission of the Academic Advising Center  NIU General Education & University Graduation Requirements  The nature of being “undecided”  The major exploration process  Understanding the Advising Partnership  Resources available through the AAC

3. Student Advising Meeting  Students will meet individually with an academic advisor.  Advisors will explain the major exploration process and provide an overview of university graduation requirements.  Students will develop a schedule and register for courses.  Some students may need placement tests.

4. How We Support Student’s Major Exploration  Academic Advising Individual Appointments Strategic Scheduling  Transitional Advising  Personal Assessment  Support from the Start Our goal is to assist students in selecting the major that is the best fit for them to achieve their academic and career goals.

5. College of Business College of Education College of Health and Human Sciences College of Liberal Arts and Sciences College of Visual and Performing Arts College of Engineering and Engineering Technology NIU Academic Colleges

6. We serve students who are:  Undecided-Any College  Seeking alternative majors  Exploring their major options  INFORM: Advising appointments to plan completion of NIU General Education requirements.  EXPLORE: Advising appointments to assist in major and career exploration.  DECLARE: Major declaration by the end of your fourth semester or 60 hours. How is the AAC different from the Academic Colleges?

7. University Graduation Requirements  A minimum of 120 credit hours are required for graduation.  Core Competencies: 12 hrs.  Communications, English, and Math  Distributive Studies: 29 hrs.  Humanities & Arts: 9-12 hrs.  Science & Math: 7-11 hrs.  Social Sciences: 6-9 hrs.  Interdisciplinary Studies: 3-6 hrs.  Major & Electives: 79 hrs.  Major courses  Electives/minors  Teacher certification requirements

8. New PLUS General Education Curriculum

9. Important Note for Transfer Students  Depending on your transfer hours, you may declare your major today.  Many limited admission majors require specific prerequisites (i.e. GPA, courses, audition, etc.) to be completed before you can declare.  Your advisor will help you to determine the best course of action in pursuing your major.

10. AAC Advising Focus Areas by Semester SEMESTER 1: Complete 15 Total Hours Transition to Campus Academic Success SEMESTER 2: Complete 30 Total Hours Academic Success Major Exploration SEMESTER 3: Complete 45 Total Hours Major Exploration Career Exploration SEMESTER 4: Complete 60 Total Hours Career Exploration Major Declaration

11. AAC Objectives for First Year Students 1.Complete two advising appointments each semester. 2.Develop short and long-range personal, academic & career goals. 3.Complete the NIU Core Competency/Foundational Studies courses. 4.Utilize campus resources that will maximize their undergraduate experience. 5.Meet with a Career Services counselor to explore interpersonal factors related to their career goals. 6.Get to know their professors. 7.Know the degree requirements, responsibilities, and university policies that apply to them.

12. AAC Exploratory Tracks  Administration and Management  Behavioral and Social Sciences  Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences  Health and Life Sciences  Humanities and Fine Arts

13. Administration and Management Exploratory Track  The Administration and Management Exploratory Track is ideal for students interested in pursuing careers in business or managerial positions in different professions ranging from hospitality to health care to nonprofit sectors. Students interested in administration, management, and leading people.

14. Behavioral and Social Sciences Exploratory Track The Behavioral and Social Sciences Exploratory Track is ideal for students who have an interest in understanding people and how they integrate into society. Many majors in this track are majors with a strong traditional Liberal Arts focus. Excellent track for students interested in pursuing careers in the social sciences such as psychology and education or those considering studies in law.

15. Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences Exploratory Track The Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences Exploratory Track is ideal for students who have a strong interest in the STEM-related or Computer Science. Ideal for students who have an interest in pursuing engineering and computer science fields or who are considering studies in chemistry, physics or mathematics. STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

16. Health and Life Sciences Exploratory Track The Health and Life Sciences Exploratory Track is ideal for students interested in understanding of the body and health. Ideal for students interested in studying health or health-related majors, but not becoming a medical doctor. Work setting may be in a hospital or health care facility. These majors require a strong science and social science interest.

17. Humanities and Fine Arts Exploratory Track The Humanities and Fine Arts Exploratory Track is ideal for students interested in studying subjects related to understating cultures, language, and fine arts. Ideal for students who are interested in pursuing careers in artistic and creative fields or traditional humanities-related liberal arts programs.

18. The Advising Partnership

19. Academic Advising Center Resources  Six full-time professional staff members.  Required advising each semester for all students.  Academic Success meetings for students whose NIU GPA is below 2.00 after one semester.  Exploring Majors Fair (September 21)  MidSemester Check Program (fall semester)

20. Academic Advising Center Staff  Michelle Pickett, M.S. Ed., Director  Bob Burk, M.S. Ed, Advisor  Susana Das Neves, Ed.S., Advisor/Counselor  Colette Maher, M.S. Ed., Advisor/Counselor  Beverly McCall, M.S., Advisor/Counselor  Mazen Nagi, M.S., Advisor  Graduate Assistants –Jimmie Martin, Joanna Mulder, and Kristen Roenfanz

21. AAC Website  www.aac.niu.edu  Mark as a “favorite”  Learn to navigate resources  NIU Major Weblinks NIU Major Weblinks  Four Year Degree Paths Four Year Degree Paths  Other Advising Information

22. Communication with Students During the Year  AAC First Year Advising Handbook  Individual Advising Appointments  Student Emails: Advising Alerts!  Website: www.aac.niu.eduwww.aac.niu.edu  MAP-Works

23. Selected Support Offices  ACCESS Office (Tutoring and the A+ Program)  Counseling and Student Development  Disability Resource Center  First and Second Year Programs  Office of Student Academic Success  Student-Faculty Links; mentoring program  University Health Services  We encourage students to seek assistance when they need help – your Academic Advisor is a great resource and starting point!

24. Common Questions  What should students do if they are ill and unable to attend class?  How often should students meet with their advisor?  What if we have other questions after Orientation?  How soon should transfer students choose a major?  How do students declare their major?  Are first year students allowed to have cars? Are first year students allowed to have cars?  Can the Student Health Insurance fee be waived? Can the Student Health Insurance fee be waived?

25. Academic Advising Center (Located between the Parking Deck and Founders Library) (815) 753-2573 www.aac.niu.edu aac@niu.edu

26. QUESTIONS ? Thank you and enjoy the rest of your day!