Social Work Program

Advising Agreement

Your advisor's job is to offer you academic advice, answer your questions, and refer you to the appropriate places for help and resources. The ultimate responsibility for making decisions about life goals and education plans rests with the individual student. The academic advisor assists by helping to identify and assess alternatives and the consequences of decisions. It is not his/her job to make choices for you regarding your class schedule, or even to make sure you have completed all of your required courses and hours needed for your major. While your advisor will work collaboratively with you and try to catch any mistakes you make related to your schedule each semester, remember that you are the one who will ultimately "pay the price" if you don't choose your courses carefully and methodically each semester.

Students are responsible for:

1) Knowing the requirements for their particular academic program, selecting courses that meet those requirements in an appropriate time frame, and monitoring their own progress toward graduation;

2) Consulting with appropriate social work advisor designated to address your questions or concerns;

Scheduling and keeping academic advising appointments in a timely manner throughout their academic career, so as to avoid seeking advising only during busy registration periods; and

3) Being prepared for advising sessions (for example, by bringing a list of questions or concerns, having a tentative schedule developed, and/or being prepared to discuss interests and goals with their advisor and bringing the advisement guide).

Advisors will:

1) Help students clarify their values, goals, and potential;

2) Help students understand the nature and purpose of a college education;

3) Provide accurate information about educational options, requirements, policies, and procedures;

4) Help students plan educational programs consistent with the requirements of their degree program and with their goals, interests, and abilities;

5) Assist students in the continual monitoring and evaluation of their educational progress; and

6) Help students locate and use the many resources of the university to meet their unique educational needs and aspirations.

* * To help ensure your successful completion of the courses you need in order to graduate in a timely manner, you are advised to do the following: (Please initial each line.)

_____	I will check my degree audit on the computer at least one time each semester (Braveweb)
_____	I will meet with my social work advisor regarding advisement before I meet with anyone else. (If I am unable to find my advisor I will meet with other social work faculty, or the department chair)
______	I will meet with my advisor at least one time each semester during advising week, and will come prepared to that meeting with a tentative schedule for the following semester and my advisement guide. If I choose not to follow my advisor's recommendations, I will take responsibility for my choices.
______	I will become familiar with general studies and social work major requirements and will use both check sheets to make sure I am taking the correct courses
______	I understand that in order to graduate in four years (120 credit hours), I need to take a minimum of 15 credit hours a semester or make up the difference in summer school. If I transfer I will receive a list of the number of hours accepted by UNCP, I will use this to determine the number of credit hours I must take in a semester.
______	I understand that dropping a course during the semester without consulting with my advisor may create future scheduling problems. I also understand that I cannot take courses with prerequisite that I have not had. If I take a course that I have not had a prerequisite for, I understand that I will not receive credit for that course.

Student ID #______________________________

Student Signature _____________________________ Date ___________________

Advisors Signature______________________________ Date___________________