This month, all students meet with their advisors and register for spring classes. Juniors and seniors register on November 8; freshmen and sophomores register on November 15.
Read further to see a bulleted list by class year of key questions and topics your student and advisor should discuss this month. These meetings are integral to your student’s academic and professional success.
Juniors and Seniors
Advisors of juniors and seniors should have meaningful discussions about internship placements and identify ways students can gain additional experiences in the senior year that will enhance their career or graduate school preparation. Specifically:
Senior advisors should discuss with with students their full-time job search, pursuit of freelance work or plans for graduate school. They should also:
- Review mid-term grades
- Review the student’s résumé
- Determine the final semester course schedule
Juniors, who have not already done so, should finalize their résumé and prepare work samples they will need as they apply for summer internships. Their advisors should also:
- Review mid-terms grades
- Review their academic plan to ensure on-time graduation and correct course sequencing within the major
- Determine scheduling for spring
- Further discuss the student’s goals
Sophomores should explore with their advisors the types of careers and professions for graduates in their majors, as a supplement to the curricular programs that provide real-world experiences and exposure to professionals in a variety of fields. In addition, their advisor should:
- Review mid-term grades
- Review second-year goals and accomplishments; provide encouragement in any discussions of whether the major continues to be the right fit for the student.
- Determine scheduling for spring
- Ensure student is on track to complete studies within prescribed academic plan.
Freshmen should have a reality check with their advisors, who should ask: “How is it going?” “What classes are hardest, the easiest for you?” “Do you need any assistance with time management?” Their advisor should also:
- Review mid-term grades
- Set goals, by asking: What do you want to get out of your MIAD experience? What are your long-term career and personal goals? How does the MIAD experience fit into and match these goals?
- Determine scheduling for spring, and continue conversations regarding the student’s selection of a major.
Becky Balistreri, Director of College Advising