Academic advising is a process where the student obtains the critical information required to make thoughtful decisions regarding high school academic choices. This might include specifics about elective courses, AP course options, graduation requirements or academic policies. The Academic Advisor seeks to positively impact the life of each St. Michael’s student by partnering with parents, community, faculty and staff.  The Academic Advising program offers comprehensive planning services addressing student academic and career goals. A primary objective is to provide the student with opportunities to acquire the educational competencies necessary for personal growth aimed toward lifelong success and effective, responsible citizenship in a diverse and changing world.

       ACADEMIC ADVISING MISSION STATEMENT 

The mission of Academic Advising is to support the mission of St. Michael’s and to develop a foundation for life-long learning that prepares the student for citizenship and service consistent with Catholic values, which contributes to the development of student character and intellectual pursuits. The Academic Advisor works with students individually and in small groups to develop meaningful educational and career goals which foster the realization of the student’s full potential.  The Academic Advisor also supports academic departments by providing faculty development on advising issues and coordinates and disseminates academic advising information campus-wide.

                                                     ACADEMIC ADVISING STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY 

Academic advising facilitates student development. Academic advising involves advisees learning more about three major components and the connection between these three components in making appropriate academic, career and life goals, plans and choices. The three major components are self, school and the environment that is external to school.

The component of self involves careful examination of personal values, likes and dislikes, strengths, challenges, skills, attitudes and beliefs. Successful students will learn more about these aspects of self and consequently become conscious they are continually growing and changing, creating a constant need for evaluation and re-evaluation. Thorough introspection nurtures a positive sense of self throughout life.

The second component, the high school environment, involves learning how to navigate the academic world and becoming aware of the purpose of education. This includes actively seeking diverse and challenging experiences and using available resources to make well-informed decisions regarding academic pursuits. Developing approaches to cultivate academic purpose promotes a regard for life-long learning.

The third component, the environment external to the high school setting, influences the student in constructing a world-wide view to achieve a sense of purpose in life and develop in ways that foster personally defined success, well-being, happiness, and fulfillment in an ever-changing world. Ultimately, the student will comprehend the connections between these three components and will strive to achieve ongoing development in each. Such personal growth will help facilitate the student’s long-term self-direction and personal potential well beyond the high school years.

A defined statement of philosophy allows the Academic Advisor to articulate the role of academic advising to advisees while providing structure to advising sessions and program initiatives. A philosophy communicates a sense of clarity and focus in the day-to-day interactions with the students and in personal long-term goals.