The Definition & Role of Academic Advising:
“Academic advising is a developmental process which assists students in the clarification of their life/career goals and in the development of educational plans for the realization of these goals. It is a decision-making process by which students realize their maximum educational potential through communication and information exchanges with an advisor; it is on-going, multi-faceted, and the responsibility of both students and advisor. The advisor serves as a facilitator of communication, a coordinator of learning experiences through course and career planning and academic progress review, and an agent of referral to other campus agencies as necessary.”
(Davis S. Crockett in “Models for Designing and Implementing a Successful Program.”)
Please review the College-wide Advising Policy and the Academic Advising Agreement below to understand the role and expectations of both the student and advisor.
How CSS Can Help You
While the Center for Student Success is the primary advisor for students who are in transition (dismissed from major and looking to explore a new program, or, where possible, work toward re-acceptance into their previous program), CSS can also serve as additional layer of support in the academic advising process to any TCNJ student. Working as a supplement to the departmental academic advisor, CSS can provide resources and support for students seeking clarification and guidance in choosing the courses necessary to gain the optimal experience at TCNJ.
The Center for Student Success works closely with academic departments, the Career Center, as well as other campus-wide resources to help students explore programs that will align with their skills, interests, and goals.
CSS professional staff members serve as college-wide generalists and in no way take the place of faculty advisement. You’re encouraged, and often required, to meet your departmental academic advisor at least once per semester. We encourage students to understand their responsibly as advisees, which begin with an active participation in the advising relationship. Preparation for advising appointments (understanding requirements, forming meaningful questions, etc.) will make for an engaging and more effective advising meeting.
For more resources related to academic advising, view our Virtual Advising Resources page.