Advising Policy

All students are strongly encouraged to meet with advisors to assist with course selection and academic planning. Many academic programs require specific course sequencing in order to reach degree completion in a timely manner. Also, students frequently benefit from guidance in exploring potential majors and coordinating career goals with educational opportunities such as internships or study abroad programs.

Students who have not declared majors are advised through the Academic Advising & Planning Center. All entering degree seeking students are assigned an advisor in the Advising Center and have mandatory advising during their first year. Advising appointments may be scheduled by calling the Advising Center. Advising appointments should be scheduled beginning in September for the fall term and February for the spring term so that all students can be served prior to their early registration time.

Students who declare a major during the first year are assigned advisors through the Academic Department as well as the Advising Center to ensure that students receive the focused advising in their discipline of choice and also have access to a trained professional they can consult regarding institutional requirements and resources.

Philosophy of Advising

A faculty member's role at the College of Charleston includes teaching and academic advising. Academic advising requires a commitment to assist students in taking responsibility for their own intellectual and life skills development. The steps and process of advising are therefore designed to recognize the developmental and situational need for such assistance to students. Advising should become less intrusive, mandatory, necessary, and more collegial over time as students mature in their academic program and life skills.

Effective academic advising requires the ability and willingness to make oneself available to students and colleagues for learning support purposes. It also requires familiarity with College programs, degree requirements, academic and support services, student development stages, administrative policies and regulations related to academic performance.

~ College of Charleston Advising Task Force