Advising Procedure

Purpose

To ensure students have access to academic advising by establishing a coordinated advising model that outlines advisor assignment, delivery of advising services, documentation, and responsibilities that support student success, persistence, and completion.

Definitions

Academic Advising

A collaborative process that assists students in developing academic plans, understanding degree requirements, selecting programs of study, and achieving their educational goals.

Case Management Advising

A coordinated advising model in which Advising Professionals, and Faculty Advisors work together to provide proactive guidance, coordinated support, and timely interventions throughout a student's educational journey.

Advising Professionals

Academic Advisors and Success Navigators who provide academic advising, educational planning, onboarding (new student transition support), and case management services.

Procedure

1. Advisor Assignment

Students are assigned advising professionals based on their academic program, and student type.

Advisor assignments are maintained in accordance with the College's established advisor assignment process outlined in the Minnesota State Community and Technical College Ensuring Data Integrity: Standards for Key Student Processes.

2. Delivery of Advising

The College provides advising through a coordinated case management model.

• Advising professionals provide advising, academic planning, onboarding, and proactive outreach, and case management to support student success.
• Faculty Advisors provide program-specific academic guidance and collaborate with Advising Professionals to ensure students receive coordinated support throughout their academic journey.

3. Advising Services and Student Participation

Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor or navigator throughout their educational journey. 

Advising services may include but are not limited to:

• Academic planning
• Transfer planning
• Navigation of college policies and procedures
• Referrals to resources
• Guidance regarding selective admissions programs

The college promotes student success through proactive outreach, established advising checkpoints, and coordinated support strategies designed to improve persistence and retention.

4. Documentation

Advising interactions are documented in the college’s customer relationship management (CRM) system to support coordinated communication, continuity of care, and student success.

5. Continuous improvement

The College periodically reviews the advising model, operational procedures, and supporting documentation to ensure effective delivery of advising services and alignment with institutional priorities.

Responsibility

Vice President of Student Affairs

Provides oversight and periodic review of this procedure.

Admissions and Registrar's Department

Assigns advisors and maintains advisor assignments in accordance with institutional processes.

Advising Professionals

Provides academic advising, academic planning, onboarding, case management, and coordinated support consistent with the College's advising model.

Faculty Advisors

Responsible for providing program-specific academic guidance and collaborating with advising professionals to support student success.

Students

Responsible for actively participating in the advising process, responding to communications from their advising team, and utilizing advising services to support their educational goals.

Other Supporting References

• Minnesota State Community and Technical College Ensuring Data Integrity: Standards for Key Student Processes (found in the Employee Portal)

Associated Policies and Procedures

• Minnesota State Community and Technical College Academic Advising Policy