When you enter a university or college, you will usually be assigned
an academic adviser who may be a member of the faculty or a member
of the university staff. Your academic adviser will help you select
your classes and plan your program, and he or she may also monitor
your progress. You are free to seek advice from other faculty
members as well. Your college or university will provide you with
information about academic advising.
Before you meet with your academic adviser, however, it may be
helpful to design a tentative program plan based on your own needs
and desires. Know what the degree requirements are or, if you are
not certain, prepare a list of questions. Study the university
catalog, departmental course schedules, and the printed schedule,
which lists all the courses being offered during the term and the
days and times these courses will meet. Note that not all courses
must be taken in a particular order; there is usually some
flexibility in designing your program.
At the first meeting with your academic adviser, you may wish to
discuss both your short-term and long-range professional plans —
that is, what you hope to do during your program and after you
finish your academic studies. You should discuss the tentative
program plan that you have drawn up for the semester and possible
adjustments to it. You may also wish to discuss opportunities for
field experience and other activities that might enrich your
educational experience. This information will be useful as your
academic adviser helps you decide about various "elective" courses
(courses you choose rather than those you are required to take). If
you do not speak up, you will not benefit as much as you could from
the knowledge and experience of your academic adviser.
Many international students think they should not express their
opinion to their academic adviser, since this may be perceived as
inappropriate behavior or a sign of disrespect in their own
cultures. However, in American culture, it is considered appropriate
behavior to speak up and voice your opinion freely. The role of the
adviser is to help you make your own decisions, not to make
decisions for you. On most campuses, your academic adviser is
responsible for approving your plan of study and the number of
courses you will take during each semester or quarter. Remember that
taking a full course load (usually 12 to 15 credit hours for
undergraduates and nine to 12 credit hours for graduates) is
required in order for your nonimmigrant student visa to remain
valid.
Using your personal plan and his or her knowledge of the school's
requirements, your academic adviser will help you decide upon a
study plan based upon your goals and the requirements for a degree.
During the academic year, you should make appointments with your
academic adviser at regular intervals (a good time is just prior to
the next semester registration period) in order to review your
progress. |
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