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Student Introduction

Introduction of Advising at Simpson College for Students

Academic advising is an integral part of the overall academic program at Simpson College. The goal of advising is to provide you with the appropriate resources so you can take ownership of your education.

Each new full-time student is assigned to a member of the faculty who will serve as your “liberal arts advisor.”  This faculty member will help orient you to the campus resources while facilitating your understanding of liberal arts education and our Engaged Citizenship Program.

When you declare your major, you will select an advisor from this chosen area of study. This “major advisor” will help you to continue to make informed choices regarding courses and other learning opportunities on and off campus. You may also have one or more Supplemental Advisors, for example an advisor in Student Support Services (SSS), or an advisor in their minor.

Developing a trusting relationship is a key component between the faculty advisor and the student so visiting with your faculty advisor frequently can be an important step.

This handbook is designed to serve as a tool for students to help them find the appropriate resources so they can make informed decisions throughout their academic career.

When working with your faculty advisor, you are expected to:

  • Schedule time to meet with your Liberal Arts or Major Advisor before class registration.
  • Request and advisor in your major, once you have declared a major
  • Inform the Registrar’s Office of changes in their academic program
  • Meet graduation requirements

You can expect your faculty advisor to provide academic counsel, personal guidance, and professional guidance. The following is an indication of the kinds of activities that might fall into each category.

Providing Academic Counsel

  • Helping students identify and address barriers to class and/or academic achievement
  • Helping students select a major and/or minor
  • Helping students select courses
  • Informing students of the graduation requirements
  • Helping students understand the strengths of a liberal arts education
  • Helping students address academic alerts
  • Teaching and/or participating in SC-101 courses

Providing Personal Guidance

  • Fostering student independence
  • Helping a student balance academics and the pressures of work/family/etc.

Providing Professional Guidance

  • Facilitating student internships
  • Facilitating undergraduate research
  • Helping students identify a potential career
  • Helping students prepare for work and/or graduate studies

You and your faculty advisors will work closely with the Registrar, and the Registrar is responsible for:

  • Assigning first year students to an SC-101 course, and advisor.
  • Assigning students (upon student request) to an advisor in the student’s major
  • Maintaining students’ academic records (transcripts/GPA/ACT/SAT)