As we approach the winter break, now is the time to not only rest from all of the academic work that we’ve put in during the first semester, but to also reassess our goals and make sure that we’re moving in the right direction academically.
Anytime you start a college semester, it’s easy to get thoroughly involved in the work and assignments, trying to meet deadlines on a consistent basis while managing a considerable amount of coursework from 3-6 different classes. It’s not uncommon to withdrawal from a class or even transfer courses throughout the semester.
The Danger of Advising Yourself Academically
One of the worst steps you can take as a college student is trying to advise yourself academically.
For nontraditional students, it’s quite common for them to enroll in classes that are conducive to their work schedule. Not enrolling in a course could forfeit their financial aid. What happens more often than not is that college students are enrolling in courses just to make sure that they keep their financial aid or simply because the class seems interesting. The problem with this is that these courses may not count toward the required amount of credits needed to graduate with their degree. Taking this type of academic self-advising approach could cost you thousands of dollars in tuition that could be avoided, not to mention the amount of months and years that could have been spent toward starting your professional career.
How Academic Advisement Can Help Your College Career
With the help of academic advisement, you can strategically enroll in college courses that not only pique your curiosity in the field of your choice and keep you engaged, but also work toward fulfilling your graduating requirements.
Whether you are a freshman or a senior embarking on your last semester of college, seeking the council and guidance of an academic advisor will open doors of opportunity that you may not have otherwise known was available.
The Role of an Academic Advisor
Academic Advisors typically work dual roles as a college professor. College professors have the responsibility of not only teaching their students, but to also get involved in extra-curricular activities that will enhance college students learning experiences. College professors usually have connections to companies and organizations outside of the college campus serving as a liaison between the surrounding community and their university. It’s important to understand this because when you’re seeking guidance from an academic advisor, they’re not only suggesting which college course you need to take, you’re giving them the opportunity to review your transcript to confirm whether or not you’re going in the right direction academically.
If your grades aren’t the satisfactory, an academic advisor can assess which courses that you’re doing particularly well in and guide you to focus on another area in academia that might interest you a little better resulting in improved grades and a higher GPA—and as a new college graduate, hiring companies pay close attention to this since there is little to no work experience to reference.
Other Reasons Why Academic Advising is Important
Academic Advisors have the authority to recommend students with potential to certain programs that will enhance their experience as a college student and future professional. If you’re not scheduling appointments with an advisor, he or she will have no way of knowing what your academic interests and achievements are, and therefore cannot personally recommend you to any programs.
Academic Advisors of Florida National University
Florida National University (FNU), a regionally accredited university in the South Florida area is determined to do all we can to help our students grow and flourish into professionals. While we can certainly post all of our resources on our website, it is essentially the students’ responsibility to take the actions required to get the absolute most out of their college education.
Benefits an Academic Advisor Can Offer College Students
Academic advisors can help you prepare for preliminary testing, assist you in better understanding what your rights and responsibilities are as a college student, provide relevant information for tutoring sessions, and explain how the registration and course selection process goes. Academic advisors can also help you pace out your college career. There are some college courses that you shouldn’t take without enrolling in some prerequisite classes. Failing to do so could result taking classes that you’re not academically prepared for, resulting in a low or failing grade.
While college life is about working independently toward your professional career, you don’t have to do it all by yourself. The staff here at FNU is always available to help guide you through your college career.
FNU Provides Financial Aid Assistance
Our academic advisors can guide you in the right direction in not only figuring out what kind of college education you want and need, we will also do our best to see that you are able to acquire the resources needed to afford it. In addition to supplying you with resourceful information that will enhance your college education, FNU also has a financial aid department where you can learn about what kind of scholarships and federal funding you might qualify for.
Academic Advisors are Perfect for Athletes and Online Students
Academic advisors are perfect for student-athletes as well as students who are taking courses with us online. Oftentimes, students who are involved in other activities, whether it’s on or off campus can use some academic advisement. FNU Academic Advisors are always available to assist all of our students. There is no appointment necessary. To find out which Academic Advisor you need to speak to, view our list here.
If you are not a Florida National University student, but interested in becoming one, then take a look at our online curriculum. You can also ask us a question about any of our degree programs by contacting us online today!
