The Advising Model
Advising can be prescriptive, developmental, or blended. A prescriptive mode is when you are given "directions" on which classes to take and when. A developmental philosophy is one in which advising is viewed as a tool to help you achieve your academic goals. The reality of advising at APU is that the relationship is blended, having elements that are both prescriptive as well as developmental.
Academic advising at APU also uses a split model, meaning that we have faculty advisors as well as an Office of Academic Advising on campus. Once you have declared a major, you are typically assigned to a faculty advisor within the department of your major, although some departments allow you to work with a faculty member of your choice. Other departments have a different process. Check with your major’s department for more information.
The Office of Academic Advising advises undeclared majors and all students in relation to General Studies requirements.
The Partnership of Academic Advising
Your advisor is a guide and mentor. You have every right to expect accurate information (to the best of his/her knowledge) from your advisor. Your advisor has every right to expect that you will take ownership of your academic progress and will accept the consequences of your academic decisions. While the advisor is a mentor and a guide, your academic progress is YOUR responsibility! Utilize Degree Works, your academic advisor, and the Office of Academic Advising for help in managing your progress through your degree.
