Rationale
In support of the College’s mission to provide student support services appropriate for a diverse student body that support and complement a comprehensive education process and encourage persistence to program completion, the Advising Center and the Academic Divisions provide academic advising. The objective of the academic advising process is to enhance retention by helping students develop strategies for the completion of courses and academic programs. The Office of Student Engagement and Support engages all new first-time freshmen through an orientation program that is designed to provide assistance with transitioning into the college lifestyle.
Policy
Academic Advising and New Student Orientation are mandatory for all new first-time freshmen prior to registration. All other new students, whether transfer or non-degree seeking, are encouraged to speak with an advisor. New Student Orientation is facilitated through the Office of Student Engagement and Support, while the Office of Advising and Testing is responsible for facilitating advising along with the Academic Divisions. Student Orientation is conducted to help students develop strategies for completion of courses and/or academic programs in addition to adjusting to college in general. The Office of Student Engagement and Support in conjunction with professional and support staff along with faculty advisors conduct New Student Orientation. Students are assisted with developing a class schedule and registration. In subsequent semesters advisors in the Advising Center and faculty advisors continue to assist students with identifying barriers to academic success and developing strategies to remove these barriers.
Procedures
- Prior to registering for courses at Volunteer State Community College for the first time, a new first-time freshman must attend or participate in New Student Orientation. At New Student Orientation, all new students are required to speak with a faculty advisor or professional advisor concerning a class schedule. Once advising is complete students are cleared to register for classes.
- A student who requests future advising for academic issues or assistance with class schedule development will meet with an Advisor. The Advisor will help the student identify strategies to address those issues and assist the student with course requirements for degree completion.
- An action plan will be developed, if necessary.
VSCC Source: Former III:03:05, April 7, 1999, President; December 16, 2008, President's Cabinet; January 28, 2019, President’s Cabinet
