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Advising Handbook - Overview of UW-Superior's Academic Advising

Academic Advising

As stated in its mission, the University of Wisconsin-Superior “fosters intellectual growth and career preparation within a liberal arts tradition that emphasizes individual attention, embodies respect for diverse cultures and multiple voices, and engages the community and region.” (Approved by the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, Feb. 6, 2015). To successfully achieve this mission, significant emphasis is placed on helping students navigate semester course selections and developing a degree plan that assures completion of 120 credits of University Studies courses, requirements for a major, and, if required, a minor. In addition, excellent academic advising helps provide a positive student experience and enhances the university's retention efforts. The best practices discussed in this Handbook demonstrate how advisors might contribute to this initiative. While a list of practices are identified, each advisor is encouraged to use their own personal and unique philosophy of achieving the goals for successful advising.

UW-Superior’s Advising Mission statement: The mission of Academic Advising at UW-Superior is to teach and support students through the university experience by providing individual attention and a comprehensive and collaborative network of support for students to achieve their academic and career goals.

UW-Superior's Advising Model

Academic advising involves a myriad of things, most basic of which is working with a student and assisting them in choosing courses for the following semester that are in line with an academic plan leading to graduation that encompasses University Studies, major, and minor requirements. It is a vehicle in which to form a supportive relationship with a student, monitor their academic progress and plan, release holds on their accounts, help them navigate academic policies and petitions, provide guidance with major/minor choices, and facilitate referrals to campus offices and resources, as needed.

UW-Superior utilizes a shared advising in which all students are assigned two advisors: a professional academic advisor and a faculty/program/instructional academic staff advisor. First years, sophomores, and new transfer students first work with a professional advisor in the Center for Academic Advising. This person becomes the student’s primary advisor until transferred to a program advisor in the department/program of the student’s declared major. During the time students work with a Professional Advisor as their primary advisor, they also are assigned a Secondary Advisor, who is a faculty or instructional academic staff member in the department of the declared major. Students move to their faculty/program advisor after completing 45 credits; and this advisor becomes their primary advisor for the reminder of their time at UW-Superior. Students can consult their Secondary Advisor at any time, but all holds and curricular changes should be completed through their Primary Advisor through the Center for Academic Advising until the student is officially transferred to a faculty/program advisor.

When students are transferred to a faculty/program Advisor, it is expected that the advisor seek first to understand the student in their unique context. Information should be collected to help the advisor best develop and/or review an established degree plan emphasizing upper-level course completion of the major. Faculty/program advisors, in particular, also discuss the student’s evolving interest in the profession and assist the student in thinking through future career choices. They encourage students to view themselves as future professionals and to begin to develop professional identities, including building relationships with classmates, recognizing the importance of meeting course expectations and deadlines, and when appropriate, conducting informational interviewing with professionals in the field to help narrow their interests.

Program advisors complete group training during their second semester at UWS during the Teaching and Learning Cohort that focuses on campus-level policies and processes, EHive, and the use of Navigate. In addition, advisors are encouraged to receive major-specific training within their program/department and to shadow advising appointments in their program or department.

Appreciative Advising

At UW-Superior, we are committed to fostering student success through the Appreciative Advising framework. This innovative approach focuses on identifying and building upon students’ strengths, rather than solely addressing their weaknesses. By prioritizing positive and proactive engagement, we aim to create a supportive and empowering environment for all our students.

Our advisors work closely with students to uncover their unique talents, aspirations, and achievements. Through meaningful conversations and personalized guidance, we help students envision their goals and develop actionable plans to reach them. This approach not only enhances academic performance but also boosts confidence and motivation.

The Appreciative Advising framework involves several key phases:

  1. Disarm: Building trust and creating a welcoming environment where students feel valued and understood.
  2. Discover: Exploring students’ strengths, passions, and goals to understand their individual potential.
  3. Dream: Encouraging students to imagine their ideal future and set ambitious yet attainable goals.
  4. Design: Collaborating with students to create a personalized plan of action that aligns with their aspirations.
  5. Deliver: Supporting students through the implementation of their plans, celebrating successes, and addressing challenges.
  6. Follow Up: Continuously checking in with students to ensure they remain on track and adjust their plans as needed.

By embracing the Appreciative Advising framework, UW-Superior is dedicated to nurturing a positive and empowering academic journey for each student. We believe that through this approach, students can unlock their full potential and achieve their goals with confidence and enthusiasm.

Functions of the Academic Advising Office

Advising Appointments

Professional academic advisors in the academic advising office work with freshmen, sophomores, exploratory/undeclared, readmitted, transfer, and special students, regardless of delivery method, to explore their interests, skills, and values as they complete their general education, program admission requirements, and other first and second year coursework or declare a major. Faculty advisors primarily work with students into their junior and senior years to further explore their interests, skills, and values, discuss career goals and professional development with students, and assist them with the graduation process.

Advisor Assignments

The advising office manages primary and secondary advisor assignments for all undergraduate students. Students can find their advisor assignment in their E-Hive Student Center. Students who see “Assigned, Staff” for their advisor assignment should contact the advising office. Advisors are notified via e-mail when a new student has been added to their roster. Advisors are expected to contact their new advisee(s) to introduce themselves and provide instructions for setting up an appointment with them.

Major, Minor, Degree, Catalog Year, and Advisor Changes

The advising office processes requests for major, minor, degree, catalog year, and advisor changes from undergraduate students. Requests are processed within three to ten business days of being submitted, and a confirmation email is sent to students when the request has been processed. The forms for all the requests can be found on the Academic Advising website.

Definitions

Academic Advisor

Professionals who help students navigate their educational journey. They provide guidance on course selection, degree requirements, and academic policies. Their goal is to help students make informed decisions about their education and career goals.

Advising Holds

All students have an enrollment hold placed on their account each semester that is removed by their primary advisor. Students cannot enroll until this hold is removed, meaning that they must meet with their primary advisor in order to register for the upcoming semester.

Faculty Advisor

Professors or instructors within a student's field of study. They offer specialized advice related to the student's major or academic interests. Faculty advisors often help with research opportunities, internships, and career advice within their discipline.

Holds

Placed on students’ accounts to prevent them from enrolling in the upcoming semester. There are multiple types of holds.

Professional Advisor

Has specialized training in advising and can offer support on academic planning, personal development, and navigating university policies. They focus on providing comprehensive support to help students achieve their academic and career goals. Most professional advisors are housed in the Center for Academic Advising, but some departments have internal professional advisors, like the Department of Education.

Primary Advisor

The main advisor assigned to a student. The primary advisor is the student's main point of contact for academic planning and support throughout their educational program. They typically have the most direct and ongoing interaction with the student. Only primary advisors can lift advising holds.

Secondary Advisor

Additional advisors who provide supplementary guidance, often in specific areas or fields. They might be consulted for specialized advice or support that complements the primary advisor's role.

Resources and Help Guides


Keywords:
advisor, UWS Advising 
Doc ID:
153823
Owned by:
Kasey S. in UW Superior
Created:
2025-07-29
Updated:
2025-10-16
Sites:
UW Superior
Clean URL:
https://kb.uwsuper.edu/advising-handbook-overview