Academic Advisors work to strengthen the importance, dignity, potential, and unique nature of each individual served within the academic setting.
--National Academic Advising Association
The Academic Advising and Learning Center engages students in identifying and pursuing their educational, career, and life goals through personalized learning experiences. The AALC serves and supports students in developing collaborative relationships that foster student success.
Services offered
- Assisting freshmen and transfer students with the transition to Western Oregon University.
- Assessing and teaching study skills and testing strategies.
- Tutoring services.
- Assessment of academic progress.
- Assistance in the process of choosing a major and identifying life goals.
- Advising about Western's academic requirements for graduation.
Advising hours
Mon, Tue, Thr, Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wed 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Liberal Arts Core Curriculum (LACC) - Advising guide
The Liberal Arts Core Curriculum (LACC) is a required part of all BA, BS, and BFA degree programs and comprises a minimum of 55 of the 180 credit hours necessary for graduation. WOU’s faculty has designed the LACC to prepare students for advanced study in their academic majors and to help students develop a foundation of basic knowledge necessary for a more successful personal and professional life.
To download the Advising guide in PDF format: click here
Academic advising syllabus
The following information exlplains the relationship between academic advisers and students.
To download the full syllabus in PDF format: click here
Learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate the characteristics of a prepared advisee, by bringing advising guide, list of current classes, and questions.
- Know the general education requirements and appreciate the Liberal Arts values reflected in WOU’s LACCs.
- Develop an educational plan for successfully achieving goals; select courses each term to progress toward completing that educational plan.
- Demonstrate decision making skills by gathering information, assessing alternatives and examining consequences.
- Discuss challenges you face by assessing what caused them, what can be done to resolve them, and how to avoid them in the future.
- Create and document short-term and long-term goals after reflecting on your values, interests, strengths, and challenges.
- Understand the relationship between your classroom experiences and your academic, career, and personal goals.
- Understand the importance of including experiences outside the classroom such as, internships, study abroad, and/or service learning.
- Create and maintain personal academic file to include LACC Advising Guide, LACC Evaluation, Western Catalog, degree plan, etc.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (2005), communication skills, interpersonal skills, teamwork skills, a strong work ethic, and being detail–oriented, motivated, and flexible are among the top ten qualities/skills sought by employers. These qualities and skills are facilitated by the advising process and learned through both in-class and out-of-class experiences. |
The design of the responsibilities below is to help ensure a successful college career. Academic advising is a learning process supported by a relationship of mutual respect and collaboration between advisor and advisee.
Advisor responsibilities:
- Create an environment where mutual respect and trust allows students to define and develop realistic goals.
- Assist students in gaining decision making skills and in assuming responsibility for their educational plans and achievements.
- Assist students in understanding the purpose and goals of a Liberal Arts education and its effect on their lives and personal goals.
- Understand and effectively communicate Liberal Arts Core Curriculum, basic graduation requirements, and academic policies and procedures.
- Guide students in identifying and pursuing resources in offices throughout campus.
- Maintain confidentiality following WOU and FERPA regulations.
Advisee responsibilities:
- Be involved in the advising process by being prepared to discuss your goals and educational plans during meetings: bring necessary materials.
- Review your LACC’s each term and track your progress toward completing your graduation requirements.
- Take primary and increasing responsibility for your educational plans and achievements.
- Be open and willing to consider recommendations from faculty, advisors, and other mentors.
- As soon as you are ready, commit to and pursue an academic plan directed toward the completion of a degree from WOU.
- Schedule and attend appointments with your advisor each term.
Ultimately the college experience you build is your responsibility.
Your advisor will assist you by providing information and resources, but you are responsible for planning your individual program and for meeting academic requirements and deadlines.
