North Dakota State UniversityFargo

Name ________________________________________

Student ID # __________________________________

Major ________________________________________

Minor/option __________________________________

Adviser’s Name ________________________________

Location _____________________________________

Telephone ____________________________________

AcademicAdvisingUsing the advising process to make informed choices and achieve academic success

College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources

2

3 Choose to Succeed

3 Statement of the faculty of North Dakota State University regarding academic advising

3 College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources faculty statement regarding academic advising

4 Glossary of academic terms

5 Academic advising procedures

6 Academic advising: faculty goals

6 Academic advising: faculty responsibilities

7 Academic advising: rights of students

7 Academic advising: student responsibilities

7 Some useful resources

8 Where to fi nd academic information

9 Appendix A: Semester time schedule

10 Appendix B: Cash fl ow analysis

Contents

This booklet was prepared by the NDSU College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources Advising Committee to help students in the College better understand the advising process and to use the process in achieving success.

3

Academic success in college is somewhat dependent on intellectual ability, but much more on drive, discipline, and persistence, the same characteristics that lead to success in most endeavors. No one can guarantee success. How-ever, experience suggests that there are many factors that improve the opportunities to succeed in higher education.

The following will contribute signifi cantly to your academic success:

1. Taking advantage of the many resources made available by the college and the university;

2. Choosing a major or subject matter interest early in the college experience;

3. Working with an informed and caring adviser;

4. Attending and actively participating in classes and taking notes;

5. Studying the information as soon as possible after class;

6. Studying the information several times and in several different ways to prepare for examinations;

7. Forming or joining a subject study group;

8. Developing a plan for your education and college experience;

a. Be disciplined in your approach b. Prepare and follow a time management

document (Appendix A) c. Prepare and monitor a fi nancial analysis for

the academic year (Appendix B) d. Become active in extra-curricular activities

(clubs, student government or community volunteer organizations)

9. Deciding on the value of work experiences and/or internships.

Statement of the faculty of North Dakota State University regarding academic advising:

“The academic advising program at

NDSU is designed to facilitate the student’s

intellectual and personal growth, to assist

students in using University resources, and to

guide students in making informed choices

regarding academic and career plans.”

College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources faculty statement regarding academic advising:

“Advising in the College of Agriculture,

Food Systems, and Natural Resources is an

important on-going series of events.

It stimulates and supports students in their

pursuit of an enriched quality of life while

they adapt to college and university life and

to society as a whole. It is a systematic

process based on a close and caring student-

faculty adviser relationship. This relationship

is intended to guide students to achieve

intellectual, educational, and professional

goals by taking advantage of the full range

of institutional and community resources.”

4

Glossary of academic terms

Academic advising - A systematic process based on a close student-faculty adviser relationship intended to help students use the full range of university and community resources to achieve educational, career and personal goals. The advising process both stimulates and supports students in their quest for an enriched quality of life. It also provides guidance for course and program selection.

Adviser’s student academic fi le - Located in the adviser’s or the departmental offi ce, the fi le contains impor-tant academic information regarding the individual student. Information in the fi le is accessible to the student upon request.

CampusConnection - An online system for registration and some student records. Links are provided on the NDSU home page (www.ndsu.edu).

Class number - A computer-generated number assigned to a course for registration purposes. It is linked to a subject and catalog number for each course.

Class permit - If a class is closed and no additional sec-tions are available, the department offering the course MAY issue a permit to allow registration provided there is not an active wait list for the closed class. Permits are also re-quired when the class number is not printed in the registra-tion schedule. Wait lists are compiled during registration.

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)- A federal act that provides certain rights to students concerning their education records. The primary rights are the right to inspect and review education records, the right to seek to have the records amended and the right to have some control over the disclosure of information from the records.

Student identifi cation number - A computer-gener-ated number which is the student’s permanent identifi cation number at NDSU. It appears on the student ID card and is used in registration and other university transactions. It is helpful to memorize this number.

Offi ce of Registration and Records - In collaboration with the major department, this offi ce manages a central-ized academic support center for academic advising on cam-pus. The current Offi ce of Registration and Records liaison for the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources is Shayla Durick, Ceres Hall 110, phone 231-8718.

Registration appointment - Each term, registration is open fi rst to seniors, then juniors, etc. Check CampusCon-nection for your appointment time. Hint: terms are four-digit numbers with the fi rst two digits being the year of spring graduation. The third digit is the semester: 1 for fall, 3 is for spring, and 4 is for summer (actually following spring graduation). Term 2 for winter no longer exists. Add a zero for a spacer and you have the term number. For ex-ample, fall semester of the 2007-2008 academic year would be number 0810.

Registration hold - A procedure whereby the faculty ad-viser or selected offi ces on campus (e.g. Customer Account Services, Student Services, Financial Aid, Registration and Records) can prevent the student from registering. A hold means you need to visit the offi ce that placed the hold or your adviser for information on releasing the hold.

Registration schedule - An online listing of classes taught during the term; available at www.ndsu.edu/registrar.

Tri-College registration - North Dakota State University, Concordia College and Minnesota State University Moorhead allow students to enroll in courses offered at any of the three institutions. Visit your adviser or the Offi ce of Regis-tration and Records for procedures.

One suggestion that will prove valuable to you during your college career:

ALWAYS ask for assistance when you are confused or have a problem.

5

Assignment of faculty advisers - Following admission to North Dakota State University and the selection of an academic program in the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources, each student is initially assigned a faculty adviser by the department offering the program.

Advisers for students majoring in interdisciplinary programs - Three majors in the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources draw upon faculty and course work from several departments/colleges. These majors are biotechnology, food safety and natural resources management. Students enrolled in one of these majors will initially be assigned to an adviser by the faculty member who is coordinating the major.

Undecided about major - Students interested in agriculture who have not selected a major area of study should follow the exploratory program in general agriculture. They will be assigned a general agriculture adviser by the faculty member who is coordinating this program. The present coordinator is Dr. David Berryhill, Robinson Hall 133, phone 231-7694.

Double major - Students pursuing two majors will be assigned an adviser in each of the majors. (Double majors require 15 unique credits.)

Ag articulation students - Several North Dakota colleges and universities that offer two-year programs in agriculture have entered into an articulation arrangement with the NDSU College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources that assures a “seamless” transfer by two-year ag students into a four-year ag program at NDSU. Students enrolled in these two-year programs who plan to transfer to NDSU are considered to be enrolled at both the NDSU College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources and their home school. These “dual enrollment” students are assigned an adviser at NDSU in addition to the adviser at their current institution. The coordinator at NDSU is Robert Harrold, Morrill Hall 315D, phone 231-8967.

Meeting with your adviser - When you arrive on campus for orientation or class registration, you will meet with your assigned academic adviser (a faculty member from your major department). Your adviser will assist you in selecting courses to ensure satisfactory progress toward graduation and help interpret university and college policies and requirements. [For a list of responsibilities of College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources faculty advisers, see page 6.]

If your adviser is unavailable - Occasionally, particularly during the summer, your assigned adviser may not be available due to vacations, fi eld research or other commitments. If your adviser is unavailable, your major department can assign a temporary adviser.

Changing advisers in your major department - It is important that you feel comfortable visiting with your adviser. If you are not satisfi ed, or if you would prefer an adviser whose academic interests relate more closely to your career goals, fi nd a new adviser! Contact the department for information on selecting a new adviser. Submit an “adviser change” form to the Offi ce of Registration and Records (Ceres 110).

Changing major and department - Talk to your present adviser, then go to the new academic major department for assistance. Submit a “major/minor/adviser change” form to the Offi ce of Registration and Records (Ceres 110).

Changing colleges - Talk to your present adviser then go to Registration and Records, Ceres 110.

Procedures for evaluating the advising process - Students in the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources will have the opportunity to evaluate their advisers and the advising process through the use of an adviser evaluation form. The form will be available from all faculty advisers in the college and from department offi ces.

Academic advising procedures

See the chart on page 8 for tips on when to see your adviser.

6

1. To inspire students to understand their freedom of choice.

2. To encourage students to accept active responsibility for academic progress and planning.

3. To assist students in exploring short-term, intermediate and life-long goals by becoming involved in benefi cial educational activities that contribute to a complete university experience.

4. To guide the advisee toward selecting an academic program appropriate to meeting his or her goals.

5. To give students the benefi t of the advisers’ expertise in their academic fi elds.

6. To project ahead as much as the program will allow when helping advisees plan their academic schedules.

7. To provide guidance and referrals for advisees who are having academic problems or other diffi culties.

1. Maintain complete and accurate advisee records and safeguard confi dentiality.

2. Get to know advisees as individuals.

3. Create an atmosphere of caring professional concern for advisees.

4. Furnish accurate information regarding academic policies and procedures.

5. Refer advisees to appropriate campus and/or community resources as needed.

6. Help advisees clarify their educational and career goals and objectives.

7. Help advisees develop an appropriate plan of study.

8. Monitor academic decision-making — inform advisees about relevant alternatives, limitations and potential consequences of academic decisions, but allow them to make their own informed decisions.

9. Encourage timely progress toward a degree.

10. Reinforce the concept to advisees that the ultimate responsibility for their academic outcome is the student’s.

11. Provide relevant information on post-undergraduate opportunities, including careers, graduate and professional schools, etc.

12. Provide help or referrals for students with special needs.

13. Advocate ethical and professional conduct in all academic endeavors.

14. Be available for advisees.

15. Serve as a role model.

16. Serve as advisee’s advocate when appropriate.

17. Be aware of the unique needs of advisees.

18. Be a resource for advisees not only in strictly academic matters but, more broadly, in other ways that encour-age their intellectual and personal growth.

Academic advising: faculty goals

Academic advisers are an important source of academic advice and information, however, students are fully responsible for their academic decisions, including selecting courses, meeting prerequisites, and adhering to policies, procedures and deadlines.

Academic advising: faculty responsibilities

7

Academic advising: rights of students 1. The right to an adviser who fulfi lls the North

Dakota State University College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources advising goals and responsibilities.

2. The right to timely access to an assigned adviser.

3. The right to protection and review of academic advising-related fi les and materials in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

4. The right to receive pertinent and accurate information as needed for academic, career and employment planning.

5. The right to request a change of academic adviser assignment.

6. The right to clear procedures for communicating opinions about the quality of advising help provided.

7. The right to make one’s own decisions.

Academic advising: student responsibilities 1. Make an effort to get to know the adviser.

2. Maintain an academic advising and career planning fi le.

3. Know the degree requirements and other relevant academic policies and procedures.

4. Complete academic requirements in a timely manner.

5. Initiate timely career and academic inquiries and discussions with adviser.

6. Make regular progress appointments and also see adviser for assistance when questions or problems arise.

7. Prepare a list of questions or concerns prior to meeting with the adviser.

8. Prepare a list of desired and alternative courses prior to meeting with the adviser.

9. Be considerate of your adviser: schedule advising appointments, whenever possible, and arrive promptly.

10. Take responsibility for your decisions.

Some useful resourcesSorting through the academic information at the university to fi nd the best way to accomplish your goal of graduation requires an effort on your part and the assistance of your adviser.

Using an academic planning calendar is a good way to keep track of classes, exams, appointments, meetings, etc. Several calendar styles and sizes are available at the university bookstore. [A simple weekly planning form is provided in Appendix A; feel free to photocopy it].

Also helpful are the following university publications which explain rules, regulations and other academic information. Check with the Offi ce of Registration and Records, Ceres 110, for distribution information and obtain a current copy of each for your personal library or access the information at www.ndsu.edu/registrar.

North Dakota State University Bulletin Contains academic rules and regulations, descriptions of departments, program requirements, a list and description of all courses offered at the university, the current academic calendar and the names of the faculty. Revised every two years. Academic policies also available online at www.ndsu.edu/registrar.

Registration ScheduleAn online schedule is maintained at www.ndsu.edu/registrar.

Academic Dates and DeadlinesA handy pocket-size list of important academic dates and deadlines.

Resources

8

Helpful Web SitesRegistration and Records ...................................................... www.ndsu.edu/registrarCareer Center ...................................................................... www.ndsu.edu/career_centerStudent Activities Offi ce ....................................................... http://mu.ndsu.edu/student_activities_offi ceCollege of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources ....... www.ag.ndsu.edu/academicsStudent Financial Services ..................................................... www.ndsu.edu/fi naidTRIO Program ...................................................................... www.ndsu.edu/trioOrientation and Student Success ............................................ www.ndsu.edu/student_successCustomer Account Services .................................................... www.ndsu.edu/business_offi ceCounseling and Disability Services .......................................... www.ndsu.edu/counselingStudent Support Services ...................................................... www.ndsu.edu/trioTechnology Learning Center ................................................... www.ndsu.edu/tlcCenter for Writers ................................................................ www.ndsu.edu/cfwritersBison Connection ................................................................ www.ndsu.edu/bisonconnection

See your adviser for Location and information on: For additional information: phone number:

Academic defi ciencies Registration and Records Ceres 110, 231-7981

Career information in your major Career Center Ceres 306, 231-7111

Grades and honor points Registration and Records Ceres 110, 231-7981

Pass/fail option Registration and Records Ceres 110, 231-7981

Registration Bison Connection Memorial Union, 231-6200 Registration and Records Ceres 110, 231-7981

Student organizations in your Student Activities Offi ce; Memorial Union 120,college or 231-7787 Dean’s Offi ce Morrill 315, 231-8790

Tri-College program Registration and Records Ceres 110, 231-7981

Adjust your course registration Campus Connection(drops and adds) Bison Connection Memorial Union, 231-6200 Registration and Records Ceres 110, 231-7981

Scholarships in your college Student Financial Services; Ceres 202, 231-7533 or Dean’s Offi ce Morrill 315, 231-8790

College or university policies or Registration and Records Ceres 110, 231-7981rules

Tutor assistance Instructor/Department See NDSU telephone offering course, directory TRIO Programs, or Ceres 319, 231-8028Academic Collegiate Enhancement (ACE) Orientation & Student Success Ceres 211, 231-8379

Appeal for exception to college Registration and Records Ceres 110, 231-7981or university policies

Request/remove an incomplete Instructor of course See NDSU telephone directory

Withdraw from the university Customer Account Services Old Main 101, 231-7545

Discuss personal problems Counseling Center - Ceres 212, 231-7671 Disability Services

Graduation Registration and Records Ceres 110, 231-7981

Where to fi nd academic information

9

Week of __________________________________

HOUR MON. TUES. WED. THURS. FRI. SAT. SUN.

7:30

8:00

8:30

9:00

9:30

10:00

10:30

11:00

11:30

12:00

12:30

1:00

1:30

2:00

2:30

3:00

3:30

4:00

evening

Make sure you schedule study time for the week. Suggested weekly minimum study time: One-credit class — study two hours per week Two-credit class — study three hours per week Three-credit class — study fi ve hours per week

Appendix A: Semester time schedule

10

Academic Year ________________________________________

Name _______________________________________________

Local Bank ___________________________________________

Income Variable Expenses

Salary _____________ Clothing _____________

Dividends _____________ Laundry/Cleaning _____________

Interest _____________ Personal Care _____________

Financial Aid _____________ Entertainment _____________

Other Income _____________ Travel/Gasoline _____________

_____________ Recreation _____________

Total _____________ Gifts _____________

_____________ Health Care _____________

Fixed Expenses Personal Allowance _____________

Tuition _____________ Snacks/Beverages _____________

Room _____________ Other _____________

Board _____________ _____________

Books _____________ _____________

Supplies _____________ Total _____________

Fees:

Matriculation (one-time fee) _____________ Total Income _____________

Lab/Instruction _____________

Parking _____________ Total Expenses _____________

Photo I.D. _____________ (one-time fee)

Residence Hall Deposit _____________ Balance ( + - ) _____________ (one-time fee)

Student Health _____________

Technology _____________

Other _____________

_____________

Total _____________

Appendix B: Cash fl ow analysis

11

Notes

NDSU is an equal opportunity institution.This publication will be made available in alternative format for people with disabilities upon request 701/231-8790.

July 2008

Academic ProgramsMost programs offer both majors and minors and permit you to specialize in science, business or production.

Agribusiness*Agribusiness and Applied Economics**Agricultural Economics*Agricultural Systems Management*Animal SciencesBiotechnology*Cellular and Molecular Biology**Cereal Science**Crop and Weed Sciences*Economics*Entomology**Equine Studies*Food SafetyFood Science*General Agriculture*Genomics**Horticulture International Agribusiness**MicrobiologyMolecular Pathogenesis**Natural Resources ManagementPlant Pathology**Plant Sciences**Pre-Veterinary Medicine*Range ScienceSoil ScienceSports and Urban Turfgrass Management*Veterinary Technology*

*undergraduate programs only**graduate programs only

Additional OpportunitiesA major in agricultural and biosystems engineering is avail-able through the NDSU College of Engineering and Architec-ture.

A major in agricultural communication is available through the NDSU College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

A major in agricultural education is available through the NDSU College of Human Development and Education.

Education and career opportunities centered on science, technology, business and peopleThe College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources at North Dakota State University is proud of the educational opportunities and fi nancial support it provides to students. The College offers academic programs leading to a wide range of career choices, enrolling students from both urban and rural areas who are preparing for careers in such diverse areas as biotechnology, industry, business, sales, marketing, fi nance, natural resources management, research, government, international trade, law and com-munications. Career opportunities are excellent. The annual demand for agriculture graduates exceeds the number of graduates, with the greatest opportunities in scientifi c and business specialities.

In the NDSU College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources, you will learn technical and professional skills in the context of a broad university education. You will receive individual attention from faculty members com-mitted to teaching and advising. Through industry intern-ships, you will have the opportunity to apply classroom learning to actual job situations. And you will prepare for a career in the largest U.S. industry: agriculture.

North Dakota State Universtiy

For more information about programs in the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources, call or write:

315 Morrill HallNorth Dakota State UniversityFargo, ND 58105Phone: 701/231-8790 Fax: 701/231-8520E-mail: ndsu.coa-dean@ndsu.edu

College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources

Information about College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources programs is also available via the Internet. The address is www.ag.ndsu.edu/academics.