Academic Advising Center - About The Center

Vision

The vision of the Academic Advising Center is to be nationally recognized as a leader in the application, delivery, and advancement of academic advising to enhance student learning and development.

Philosophy

Academic advising, along with teaching, research, and service, is central to achieving the fundamental goals of higher education. Academic advising is an educational process that requires concern for and consideration of all the fundamental goals encompassed in higher education. Teaching students to understand the meaning of higher education, teaching students to understand the purpose of the curriculum, and fostering students’ intellectual and personal development toward academic success and lifelong learning are the particular goals of academic advising. Academic advising is a multidimensional and intentional process, grounded in teaching and learning, with its own purpose, content, and specified outcomes. (source: National Academic Advising Association (NACADA))

Mission Statement

The mission of the Academic Advising Center is to create and administer a network of high quality informational, guidance, and support services that facilitate the optimal intellectual and personal development of Clemson University students pursuing their educational goals through programs offered by the College of Business and Behavioral Science. The Center’s mission reflects the core values of both Clemson University and the College of Business and Behavioral Science by providing a student-oriented infrastructure of services that foster enhanced student academic, scholarship, and leadership experiences.

Goals

  • To foster the optimal intellectual, professional, and personal developmental experience of students.
  • To facilitate high quality advising within departments.
  • To contribute to the College mission of excellence in classroom education.
  • To participate in the work of relevant committees, workshops, and programs designed to foster high quality educational, professional, and personal development services and opportunities for students.
  • To participate in recruiting and retention activities that attract and retain achievement–oriented students who are committed to becoming leaders in their professions and who will be globally competitive, entrepreneurial, and committed to the betterment of society.

We advance our goals through:

  • Academic Advising
    We provide individualized one-on-one academic and career advising to Behavioral Science freshman and all Pre-Business students and facilitate a positive and timely transition of Pre-Business students into their chosen majors. In addition, we coordinate and conduct freshman and transfer student orientation for the College.

  • Teaching
    Our faculty serve as lecturers for academic courses offered by departments in the College of Business and Behavioral Science.

  • Service
    Our faculty and professional staff participate in the work of relevant University and College committees and provide advisor training for College faculty.

  • Recruiting & Retention
    We represent the College at all University recruiting functions, meet individually with new and prospective students and their families, administer the Clemson Business Experience program, and participate in University-wide freshman retention programs (ie. PROACT, FASP). In addition, we facilitate student career development by hosting a counselor from the Michelin Career Center each Wednesday as well as employers interviewing job candidates from the MBA Program.

We strive to provide services that embody:

  • Quality. Provide effective and efficient advising to students and support to faculty.
    • Exhibit a caring attitude toward all students
    • Encourage interactions that result in strong relationships with students
    • Engage in developmental advising (academic, career and life planning) versus simply course scheduling
    • Effectively monitor student progress toward personal goals
    • Provide faculty training, policy and procedure updates and support resources as needed
  • Creativity. Use a variety of resources in the delivery of services.
    • Advising Webpage
    • Curriculum Worksheets
    • Student Contact Form
    • Student-accessible web-based appointment calendars for our advisors
    • Electronic newsletter
    • Bulletin board
  • Currency. Monitor and respond to current problems and issues in the advising needs of students, faculty, college, and university.
    • Demonstrate mastery of institutional regulations, policies, and procedures
    • Effective use of information sources and providing appropriate referrals
    • Continued development of professional skills and knowledge through professional organizational membership and participation in workshops
  • Impact. Monitoring and collect evidence of positive student outcomes.
    • Student Satisfaction Survey
      • Students provide both quantitative and qualitative feedback on services
    • Electronic management and monitoring of advising schedules during peak advising periods to ensure timely advising for all students before registration windows open