How Academic Advising Supports Meredith Students

Is your student undecided about what to major in? Are they feeling overwhelmed with class choices and what opportunities to engage in at Meredith? Or maybe they’re looking for programs to enrich their field of study (that also look great on a resume). Maybe it’s time for a visit with the Office of Academic Advising.

Every student at Meredith is assigned a faculty advisor but can also utilize the Office of Academic Advising whenever they choose. Meredith students have multiple options for advising but one thing is universal – faculty and academic advisors do more than just provide information about degree requirements, they strive to develop an individual relationship with your student, helping to create a personalized educational experience.

Each semester, advisors typically reach out to students via email and various programs, and we encourage students to come see us at least once a semester. . . The more students meet with their advisor, the better we are able to direct them to appropriate resources and experiences.

Faculty and academic advisors offer details about the curriculum that are not always evident from websites or printed materials about a major . . . This type of information can help students make educated decisions about how they plan their courses each term. One of the advantages to visiting the Office of Academic Advising prior to faculty advising and course registration is that we can help students create academic plans for two or four years, work to balance schedules, and provide information about which combinations of courses have historically been difficult to take in the same semester. This information will help the faculty advising session go smoothly and make room for more in-depth conversations.

And where do parents and family members fit in to the academic advising picture? Ask your student questions, listen, help them articulate their academic and career goals, and accept responsibility for their own education. Our students are best supported when they know that they can have open and honest conversations with their parents and their advisors. Many of us are parents ourselves. We understand what it is like to hope for the best for our children and students. We want them to succeed and follow their passions.

So whether your student is thinking about registration for a future term, wondering how to balance a busy schedule, or ready to have a conversation about their passion and their future, know they can connect with their faculty advisor or visit the Office of Academic Advising!

Services we provide:

• Individualized academic advising
• Academic Skills Coaching
• Resources for students in academic difficulty
• Assistance with course registration software
• Academic planning and goal setting