During summer orientation, students will meet with a faculty advisor who will guide them through the first-semester registration process. The day before classes begin, students will meet with their First-Year advisor who will share with them the objectives for first-year advising and the expectations for this collaborative relationship, see For Students.
Throughout their first-year students will have the opportunity to build a relationship with their First-year Advisor who will support their transition to university life. Students will meet with their First-Year advisor in one-on-one and group settings, with meetings most frequent in the first semester. For some students, their First-Year Advisor is also their DSEM instructor.
When students are ready to declare a major in their second year, First-year Advisors will guide students through the transition to their chosen major. Once declared, a student will be assigned a Major Advisor.
Objectives for First-Year Advising
- Assist students in their intellectual development, creating meaning out of their learning.
- Coach students as they adjust to Drew’s academic rigor, helping them reflect upon learning experiences and develop, and implement strategies for achieving realistic academic goals.
- Guide students in their exploration and identification with majors, minors, and career goals;
- Help students understand the rationale of general education and major requirements;
- Educate students on additional aspects of the university culture: course syllabi, academic policies (including liberal arts expectations for in-class engagement); course pedagogies, and registration procedures.
- Promote student connections to university, referring students to academic and campus community resources.
- Support and encourage students’ capacity to make informed decisions, to negotiate difficulties, and to take responsibility for and learn from the consequences of their actions and choices.