Methodist University - Academic Services

Academic Advising

Mission Statement

Academic advisement at Methodist University is linked to the Student-Oriented Goals of the University which include (1) emphasis on the importance of a broad study of the liberal arts, (2) an in-depth study of an academic discipline, (3) the development of critical thinking skills, and (4) preparation for careers and further educational pursuits. As a component of the academic program of the University, the Academic Advising Program seeks to facilitate students' progress toward these goals through a one-on-one relationship with an academic advisor. To that end, advisors are expected to demonstrate a student-friendly demeanor and actions that encourage academic and personal growth for all students.

Academic Advising at Methodist University

The academic advising program at Methodist University is based on building faculty-student relationships. Most students are assigned an advisor who is a faculty member in the department of the student's major. "Consultations with Academic Advisors" sessions are scheduled regularly by the University and published annually on the Academic Calendar. It is imperative that students check their Methodist University e-mail address regularly for messages related to academic advising meetings and other important academic information. Attendance at advising sessions and individual meetings is also a key component of the Methodist University advising program.

The following is an outline of the advising program, starting at the point of a new student's decision to attend Methodist University:

All new students at Methodist University are assigned an advisor upon acceptance by the University and payment of the deposit fee.
Advisors are assigned by the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs who uses choice of major and other considerations, if applicable, as a basis for advisor selection. Most students who have indicated a major will be assigned to a faculty advisor in that department. Students who are undecided about a major will be assigned to faculty advisors who work with that specific group.
Advisors originate a schedule for their new advisees, following University policy related to placement, transfer credits, and other special considerations.
New students are notified of their advisor assignment through the MU e-mail system. Advisor contact information (e-mail address, office location, and phone) is included in this correspondence.
Communication between advisors and new students is encouraged and facilitated throughout the assignment process.
Schedules are e-mailed to students via the MU e-mail system.
For new day students in the fall semester: advising meetings are scheduled during the Fall Orientation period.
For new MU at Night students throughout the year: The Assistant Dean for MU at Night serves as the initial advisor. Upon declaration of a major, MU at Night students are assigned a co-advisor in the department of their major.
For new day students in the spring semester: All of the above applies, with the exception of Orientation meetings. New spring students will meet their advisor early in the semester during "Consultation with Academic Advisors" sessions. These sessions occur twice during each semester and are publicized on campus calendars and via the MU e-mail system.

Change of Advisor and/or Major

When students wish to change their advisor or their major, a Request for Change form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar. It is also used for requesting a change related to declaring a minor and/or for a catalogue change.

Advising Tools and Resources

In addition to regularly scheduled meetings with advisors, there are several resources that students are encouraged to utilize in order to understand their academic curriculum. These are (1) the Academic Catalogue, (2) the Academic Checksheets, and (3) the Four-Year Suggested Plans.

Students are subject to the graduation requirements of the Academic Catalogue under which they entered, for example, a student entering in fall 2009 would adhere to the requirements of the 2009-2010 Academic Catalogue. Students may request a change of catalogue, but may only move forward to a newer catalogue than their original one. The Academic Catalogue is the most comprehensive reference source for academic programs and policies.

The Academic Checksheets are summaries of course requirements for a particular major. These checksheets are available for every major at Methodist University and are updated annually.

The Four-Year Suggested Plans recommend to students a strategy for completing degree requirements over a four-year period. These plans are available for every major at Methodist University and are updated annually.

Office of Academic Services

Academic Planning Tools

Academic Support

Alternate Forms of Academic Credit