www.advising.union.edu
Academic advising is central to the mission of a liberal arts college such as Union and is a key faculty responsibility. Students and their parents have the expectation that there will be close contact with the faculty advisor and that, particularly in the first two years, there will be a level of interaction and consultation that would not be expected at other types of institutions.
To quote a Union faculty member from the Advising Survey done in 2002:
"Without good advising, small classes, and quality teaching, small colleges don't have a very big role in post-secondary education. It is knowing students as individual personalities, learners and young people that should make a critical difference in a small college...the major rationale for a small college is to reap the rewards of a close-knit community."
Academic advising at Union is an educational process and an extension of faculty teaching responsibilities. Advising attempts to engage students in an interactive process designed to assist them in making informed choices that maximize the benefits of the liberal arts education that Union offers. Good advising recognizes the individuality of each student. It has a developmental component requiring different approaches with students at different times in their academic careers: a good advisor helps teach students independence. Ultimately, students are responsible for their decisions and for availing themselves of what Union has to offer. Nevertheless, a strong advising program will help them realize their potential.