2-25: Mandatory Advising for New Degree- and Certificate-Seeking Students

Policy Overview

This policy offers Santa Fe Community College (SFCC or College) degree- and certificate-seeking students the opportunity to meet with academic advisors who provide individualized academic assistance, in collaboration with faculty and staff, to promote student success.

Scope and Applicability

This policy assists new students in successfully transitioning to SFCC and serves all SFCC students.

Policy Statement

Academic advising at SFCC is an ongoing working relationship between students and advisors, faculty, and staff by which students explore interests and develop a plan to take them through a successful educational journey. Each person has a role to play that is an essential part of students’ positive and rewarding college experience.

Definitions

1. Academic Advisor refers to a faculty member and/or a professional academic advisor. a. Faculty Advisors, in collaboration with professional advisors, cover all objectives of academic advising and concentrate on degree advising; provide academic advising and support to advisees in their discipline or school; and provide guidance and support to advisees in the work they do in their chosen major. b. Professional Advisors, in collaboration with faculty advisors, cover all objectives of academic advising and concentrate on support services; provide support to advisees in meeting their educational goals; and connect advisees with necessary resources.
2. Academic Advising Syllabus is a tool which allows individual advisors or offices to outline the advising relationship and experience for their advisees. Use of this tool is grounded in our understanding that advising is essential to the educational mission of our institutions (National Academic Advising Association).
3. Degree-Seeking Students are those who have declared a program of study toward a certificate or a degree.

Policy Process

1. Upon admission to SFCC, the College will welcome all new degree- and certificate-seeking students and will be introduced to their academic advisor through multiple modes of communication.
   1. Academic advisors will guide students through the process to schedule an advisement session(s).
   2. Advisement sessions may be offered online, over the telephone and/or in-person.
   3. First time degree-seeking students are required to meet with an academic advisor prior to initial registration.
2. Academic advisors will be available to meet with new students to guide them through the academic and career pathways and initial registration process.
3. SFCC will provide students with an academic advisement syllabus that outlines academic advisement guidelines and expectations between advisors and advisees.
4. Academic advisors will help students outline a pathway to their defined academic and career goals.
5. A new academic advisor will be available to meet with students who make changes to their declared majors to discuss new major requirements and opportunities.
6. Academic advisors will engage with advisees during high-impact times of the academic semester (e.g., early registration, specific deadlines, financial aid timeframes, etc.) and throughout the entire semester as needed by the student.

Statement of Accountability and Responsibility

The President, through the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs and the Office of Academic and Student Affairs, shall be responsible for enforcing student policies and procedures. The Associate Vice President for Student Success shall work with the different departments and offices to comply with this policy and to develop procedures that will enforce this policy regarding awareness, prevention and remediation.

Authority

New Mexico Administrative Code 6.30.7
SFCC Catalog

APPROVAL

SFCC Governing Board approved: 5/20/14
Revised and Governing Board approved: 3/24/2021

Associated Procedures

• Mandatory New Student Orientation and Advising for First-Year Students – Procedures