Concordia College

What tools might help me advise?

The basics:  A college catalog, a current campus directory, Degree Navigator and this guide.  The specifics:  Faculty advisors will receive an advising folder for each of their advisees.  Among the items in this folder will be copies of the admissions application and test scores as well as a copy of the high school transcript or a transfer credit evaluation sheet. 

Advisors may elect to use the “Elements of Good Course Selection” chart (p. 43) and/or the “Relating Course, Major and Career Selection” chart (p. 44) when consulting with advisees about planning their academic program.

Advisors are encouraged to use the Academic Advisement Assessment instrument (p. 45) for assessment of their own competence as an advisor.  It will allow advisors to monitor their personal growth and shall not be used for evaluation purposes.  This instrument is available on the Registrar’s web site and faculty members choosing to use the document can download it when they log-on to view information on their advisees.  

The Advising Structure at Concordia

Student advising at Concordia is a cooperative effort of the Office of the Registrar, the faculty and the Office of Student Affairs. 

Registrar’s Office.  The Registrar’s Office assigns advisors from faculty, provides student records to advisors on a regular basis, manages all advisor changes, checks student progress in the junior year, and confirms the students’ eligibility for graduation.

Faculty Advisors.  Faculty who advise new freshmen and transfer students meet those students at registration in August.  All students are advised during registration for spring semester in November; all students are again advised during registration for the following fall in March of spring semester.  Advisors meet formally and informally with students, as needed, throughout the year to discuss academic and career plans.

Student Affairs.  Student Affairs provides academic support services to all students who request this help and information.  In addition, this department serves special populations of students (special needs students, academic probation students, students with personal needs).  In turn, Student Affairs communicates with the faculty advisor as appropriate, and the advisor is encouraged to refer students to this department for assistance.