Step 1:

All In-coming freshman and transfer students are assigned an academic advisor to begin the advisement process.

Advisors conduct an initial advisement for the Program, providing a comprehensive planning meeting. They assist the in-coming student in finding classes and developing an academic plan leading to graduation. This plan is usually somewhat fluid as circumstances for the student may change, or there may be scheduling issues which arise. It is a "plan", as in plan the plans but not the results.

Step 2:

An incoming student is usually with this initially assigned advisor until she or he graduates.

The exceptions to this may be persons advised during the summer SOAR sessions.  All freshmen will be assigned to a particular advisor, who takes all freshmen, once the first academic year on campus begins.  All other students stay with this initial advisor unless the student requests a change to another social work advisor. If a faculty person is on leave or sabbatical, his or her advisees will be temporarily reassigned during his or her absence.

Step 3:

The academic advisor also serves as a "career" advisor.

The academic advisor assists students in following their academic plans each semester in on-going advisement until graduation. In the "career" advising role, the advisor is to assist the student in thinking through future career choices and discussing field internship options. This "career" advisor is available to hold discussions with each advisee regarding career plans before the end of the junior year and also to discuss possible field placement options with each before each advisee enters the senior field placement.

Step 4:

Advisors have a consultative role with the Field Coordinator in the process of preparation for field placement and during each advisee's field placement.

Step 5:

If the advisor or the student encounter unforeseen difficulties with the initial academic plan, they may create an up-dated plan.