Butler’s Academic Advising Philosophy
Butler University’s approach to academic advising prioritizes students’ holistic, multidimensional success and well-being. Our intentional team and tiered academic advising approach honors the complexity of academic advising and utilizes experts across campus to ensure each student has the academic, professional, and personal support they need to learn, grow, and succeed at Butler.
Academic advising is a dynamic and collaborative process involving faculty, students, and staff, uniting efforts towards successful academic journeys. It transcends traditional boundaries, blending student-centered teaching with active University service. This partnership is not merely a responsibility but a shared commitment to fostering growth, development, and achievement. Academic advising is seen as a joint venture requiring action-oriented engagement from all stakeholders.
The academic advising relationship demands more than knowledge of platforms and curriculum pathways; it necessitates active involvement and skillful professional mentoring. Academic advising is not solely the academic advisor’s responsibility; students, too, play a crucial role. Students are expected to come prepared to actively participate in their academic advising process, contributing to the collaborative effort.
Academic Advising at Butler University
Academic advising is not just about scheduling classes. It is an educational process in which the student and academic advisor are partners in meeting established learning outcomes, working toward academic success, and outlining steps for achieving the student’s personal, academic, and career goals. At Butler, academic advising provides students with the opportunity to build a collaborative relationship with the academic advisor for the following purposes:
- To gain assistance in planning the student’s educational career
- To learn the skills needed for academic success
- To learn how to access the variety of campus resources and available services
At Butler, academic advising is a critical component of the teaching-learning relationship. Students with declared majors are advised by Butler faculty in their disciplinary area of concentration. Exploratory students meet with academic advisors in Student Success. Academic advisors take time to get to know the student by becoming aware of the student’s interests as well as personal, academic, and career goals, and helping the student develop a plan to achieve those goals.
Butler University enrolls students in courses through New Student Registration. During New Student Registration, incoming students meet with an academic advisor to discuss course registration for their first semester at Butler. Academic advising is not just about scheduling classes. It is an educational process in which the student and academic advisor are partners in meeting established learning outcomes, working toward academic success, and outlining steps for achieving the student’s personal, academic, and career goals. We encourage students to prepare for this advising conversation by becoming familiar with the courses required for their desired major and the Core Curriculum.
Continuing students work in collaboration with their academic advisors throughout their academic career at Butler University. Academic advisors take time to get to know the student including becoming aware of the student’s interests, goals, and helping to develop a plan to achieve those goals. It is important that the student informs the academic advisor of any specific interests or goals, such as pre-professional interests, or desire to study abroad. Sharing this information assists the academic advisor in helping the student map their course progression and satisfy academic requirements in a timely manner.
Students are encouraged to meet early and often with their academic advisor to develop this partnership. During the twice yearly advising periods, students must meet with their academic advisors in order to be eligible to register for classes. While the academic advisor is a partner in helping the student plan their academic career and educational opportunities, it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they are progressing through their degree program.
Beyond the information that academic advisors provide as part of the advising relationship, students can find helpful tools to assist with advising in the My.Butler.edu Student Center, including the Academic Requirements (Advisement Report) and the “What-if Report” will allow you to see the effect that changing your major would make in your progress towards satisfying different degree requirements. In addition, students can view their Class Schedule (Study List), Transfer Credits, Test Scores, unofficial Transcript, and the BU Cultural Requirements through their Student Center. You can learn more about the information found in your Student Center by visiting My.Butler Student Help. For information about advising and registration, please consult Registration and Records.