Welcome to theAcademic Connection with

the Academic Advising Center

Transfer Orientation • Academic Connection Session

Today’s GoalsProvide overview of:

The mission of the Academic Advising Center

NIU General Education & University Graduation Requirements

The nature of being “undecided” The major exploration process Understanding the Advising Partnership Resources available through the AAC

Student Advising Meeting Students will meet individually with an

academic advisor.

Advisors will explain the major exploration process and provide an overview of university graduation requirements.

Students will develop a schedule and register for courses.

Some students may need placement tests.

How We Support Student’s Major Exploration

Academic Advising• Individual Appointments• Strategic Scheduling

Transitional Advising Personal Assessment Support from the Start

Our goal is to assist students in selecting the major that is the best fit

for them to achieve their academic and career goals.

College of Business

College of Education

College of Health and Human Sciences

College of Liberal Artsand Sciences

College of Visual and Performing Arts

College of Engineering and Engineering Technology

NIU Academic Colleges

We serve students who are:

Undecided-Any College

Seeking alternative majors

Exploring their major options

INFORM: Advising appointments to plan completion of NIU General Education requirements.

EXPLORE: Advising appointments to assist in major and career exploration.

DECLARE: Major declaration by the end of your fourth semester or 60 hours.

How is the AAC different from the Academic Colleges?

University Graduation Requirements

A minimum of 120 credit hours are required for graduation.

Core Competencies: 12 hrs. Communications, English, and Math

Distributive Studies: 29 hrs. Humanities & Arts: 9-12 hrs.

Science & Math: 7-11 hrs.

Social Sciences: 6-9 hrs.

Interdisciplinary Studies: 3-6 hrs.

Major & Electives: 79 hrs. Major courses Electives/minors Teacher certification requirements

New PLUS General Education Curriculum

Important Note for Transfer Students Depending on your transfer hours, you

may declare your major today.

Many limited admission majors require specific prerequisites (i.e. GPA, courses, audition, etc.) to be completed before you can declare.

Your advisor will help you to determine the best course of action in pursuing your major.

AAC Advising Focus Areasby Semester

SEMESTER 1: Complete 15 Total HoursTransition to CampusAcademic Success

SEMESTER 2: Complete 30 Total HoursAcademic SuccessMajor Exploration

SEMESTER 3: Complete 45 Total HoursMajor ExplorationCareer Exploration

SEMESTER 4: Complete 60 Total HoursCareer ExplorationMajor Declaration

AAC Objectives for First Year Students

1. Complete two advising appointments each semester.

2. Develop short and long-range personal, academic & career goals.

3. Complete the NIU Core Competency/Foundational Studies courses.

4. Utilize campus resources that will maximize their undergraduate experience.

5. Meet with a Career Services counselor to explore interpersonal factors related to their career goals.

6. Get to know their professors.

7. Know the degree requirements, responsibilities, and university policies that apply to them.

AAC Exploratory Tracks Administration and Management

Behavioral and Social Sciences

Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences

Health and Life Sciences

Humanities and Fine Arts

Administration and Management Exploratory Track The Administration and

Management Exploratory Track is ideal for students interested in pursuing careers in business or managerial positions in different professions ranging from hospitality to health care to nonprofit sectors. Students interested in administration, management, and leading people.

Behavioral and Social Sciences Exploratory Track

• The Behavioral and Social Sciences Exploratory Track is ideal for students who have an interest in understanding people and how they integrate into society. Many majors in this track are majors with a strong traditional Liberal Arts focus. Excellent track for students interested in pursuing careers in the social sciences such as psychology and education or those considering studies in law.

Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences Exploratory Track

• The Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences Exploratory Track is ideal for students who have a strong interest in the STEM-related or Computer Science. Ideal for students who have an interest in pursuing engineering and computer science fields or who are considering studies in chemistry, physics or mathematics.

• STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

Health and Life SciencesExploratory Track

• The Health and Life Sciences Exploratory Track is ideal for students interested in understanding of the body and health. Ideal for students interested in studying health or health-related majors, but not becoming a medical doctor. Work setting may be in a hospital or health care facility. These majors require a strong science and social science interest.

Humanities and Fine Arts Exploratory Track

• The Humanities and Fine Arts Exploratory Track is ideal for students interested in studying subjects related to understating cultures, language, and fine arts. Ideal for students who are interested in pursuing careers in artistic and creative fields or traditional humanities-related liberal arts programs.

The Advising PartnershipACADEMIC ADVISOR STUDENT PARENT

Monitor student progress and guide the student toward academic success.

Responsible for learning and understanding.

Be available to support and encourage.

Help the student understand his or her responsibilities toward academic

success.

Monitor his or her own academic progress.

Maintain regular contact.

Act as a liaison between the institution and the student.

Know the degree requirements of the college and major of interest.

Offer advice (as needed and when appropriate).

Act as an advocate for the student. Communicate with the advisor regarding issues and/or concerns about academics or student life.

Encourage students to do things they can do for themselves.

Refer the student to appropriate institutional resources.

Attend classes. Allow students to make mistakes in this safe environment.

Manage time for class preparation.

Become familiar with university resources.

Understand and adhere to university policies.

Academic Advising Center Resources Six full-time professional staff members.

Required advising each semester for all students.

Academic Success meetings for students whose NIU GPA is below 2.00 after one semester.

Exploring Majors Fair (September 21)

MidSemester Check Program (fall semester)

Academic Advising Center Staff

Michelle Pickett, M.S. Ed., Director Bob Burk, M.S. Ed, Advisor Susana Das Neves, Ed.S.,

Advisor/Counselor Colette Maher, M.S. Ed.,

Advisor/Counselor Beverly McCall, M.S., Advisor/Counselor Mazen Nagi, M.S., Advisor Graduate Assistants

– Jimmie Martin, Joanna Mulder, and Kristen Roenfanz

AAC Website www.aac.niu.edu

Mark as a “favorite”

Learn to navigate resources NIU Major Weblinks

Four Year Degree Paths

Other Advising Information

Communication with Students During the Year AAC First Year Advising Handbook

Individual Advising Appointments

Student Emails: Advising Alerts!

Website: www.aac.niu.edu

MAP-Works

Selected Support Offices ACCESS Office (Tutoring and the A+ Program)

Counseling and Student Development

Disability Resource Center

First and Second Year Programs

Office of Student Academic Success

Student-Faculty Links; mentoring program

University Health Services

We encourage students to seek assistance when they need help – your Academic Advisor is a great resource and starting point!

Common Questions What should students do if they are ill and unable to

attend class?

How often should students meet with their advisor?

What if we have other questions after Orientation?

How soon should transfer students choose a major?

How do students declare their major?

Are first year students allowed to have cars?

Can the Student Health Insurance fee be waived?

Academic Advising Center(Located between the Parking Deck and

Founders Library)

(815) 753-2573www.aac.niu.edu

aac@niu.edu

QUESTIONS?

Thank you and enjoy the rest of your day!