Office of Academic Advising: Statement of Purpose
April 1992

In support of the teaching mission of the University, the Franklin College of Arts and Science's Office of Academic Advising provides information and guidance to Liberal Arts students who are seeking to complete the requirements of the Baccalaureate Degree. Towards that end, advisement is required in each term for all students.

The Franklin College delivers advisement to students through a two-tiered system. In the Lower Division, professional advisors, under the aegis of the Dean of Arts and Sciences, provide advising for Freshmen and Sophomores; while in the Upper Division, the faculty and/or departmental advisors provide advising for Juniors and Seniors. Students must declare a major for which they qualify and enter Upper Division upon completion of 60 credit hours.

The Franklin College's Office of Academic Advising is dedicated to the delivery of quality advising. In order to provide a quality advising program, careful attention is given to the selection and training of all personnel. To function effectively the office requires: 1) a full-time coordinator, 2) professional advisors, and 3) adequate support staff. The coordinator and the professional advisors have Liberal Arts degrees and significant experience with college-aged students. Excellent communication skills are important for all personnel. The advising program is committed to thorough training for new advisors and staff members as well as on-going professional development for all staff. Excellent advising is recognized annually for both Professional and Faculty advisors through the Academic Advisor Recognition Program.

The needs of Liberal Arts students, progressing through complex degree requirements, are best served by an advising program that functions with close communication ties between Lower and Upper Division. A strong liaison between divisions insures the continuity of quality advising. Providing students with the highest quality advising from matriculation to graduation is the ultimate goal of the Advising Program of the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences.

(Revised for semester terminology, November 1998)