Program Advising Syllabus

Objectives of Program Advising:

Program advising is an integral and necessary step on the path to achieving your educational goals. Program advising at the University of Calgary involves a mutual commitment between you and your advisors to help facilitate your growth and development as a student throughout university, and obtain accurate knowledge regarding your degree program, and university resources, policies and procedures. In particular, academic advisors are available to give you advice and assistance with the following:

• Graduation and degree requirements
• Program selection and change of program
• Admission and registration
• GPA and academic standing
• Learning how to use Degree Navigator
• Transfer credits
• Academic appeals

Learning Outcomes:

The program advising process is in direct alignment with the teaching and learning mission of the University of Calgary. In order to make the most of your academic advising experience, and stay on the path to achieving your educational goals, you need to understand and embrace your role in the advising process, and take full responsibility for learning about your institution and degree requirements.

Through the process of Program Advising, students will know:

• the key terminology required to understand policies, procedures and degree requirements at the University of Calgary
• how to accurately use Degree Navigator in their educational planning
• what resources are available to support their educational planning (Academic Calendar, Department program guides, Department program advisors, etc.)
• the annual academic review process and the GPA required to maintain good academic standing
• the difference between dropping and withdrawing from a course
• how and when to change their program

Through the process of Program Advising, students will:

• select and register in appropriate courses for their degree program each semester
• graduate in a timely manner based on their educational goals
• demonstrate an understanding of the policies, procedures and all components of their degree program
• make use of the referrals to resources and services provided to them
• seek the involvement and/or advice of program advisors when struggling academically
• demonstrate the ability to make informed and positive decisions about their degree program and other educational goals
• ask appropriate questions that will assist them in getting accurate information
• meet with a program advisor at least once a semester to review their academic goals and concerns
• take responsibility for meeting deadlines, supplying required documentation, and verifying their personal information regularly

Through the process of Program Advising, students will:

• be able to demonstrate an understanding of the value of breadth requirement and open option courses in their degree program
• understand and appreciate the role of program advising in their educational journey