Academic Advising

As part of its dedication to academic success, USTF is committed to offering high-quality academic advising in order to help students in the development and pursuit of academic objectives consistent with their life goals. Academic advising is an ongoing process that connects students to the University to empower each student with the knowledge, resources, and skills that will lead to academic success and a lifelong desire to learn inside and outside the classroom.

USTF advising policy postulates that

• All students shall be informed of the advising policy and advising process during the initial orientation and be directed to an appropriate advisor;
• All students shall be assigned, advisors;
• All students on probation must be given regular advising each semester;
• All students expected to graduate must be advised at least twice every semester of their final year;
• Career counseling and student counseling shall be made available to all students;
• Advising by faculty members for all new and continuing students shall be provided every semester;
• Assessment of department advising shall be carried out every semester as a part of the whole program assessment;
• Academic department advising shall be assessed and reviewed every year;
• Funding and resources shall be made available to all units to ensure effective and efficient advising at all levels; Training shall be provided for all advisors and peer mentors;
• Accurate information shall be posted and maintained on the University website.

The goals of academic advising are to

• Help students make the right decisions in choosing an appropriate course of study that is aligned with their interests, abilities and that meets their academic and life objectives;
• Answer questions raised by students and ensure that students are aware of the consequences of their choices;
• Ensure that all students are aware of resources, services, and educational opportunities at USTF that may be pertinent to the student’s educational goals;
• Provide information on university policies and procedures;
• Facilitate the resolution of academic problems, conflicts, and concerns, as appropriate;
• Refer students, as necessary, to other resources/departments/personnel;
• Encourage students to be creative in their academic choices;
• Provide a forum for interaction and guidance about life and academic matters;
• Collect data about students’ needs, expectations, and aspirations.