Academic Advising

University Statement on Academic Advising

Carnegie Mellon University commits to support excellence in academic advising. Even with the university’s diverse offerings, a cohesive academic advising approach can directly impact the educational success of every undergraduate and graduate student. High quality advising rests upon (1) robust central resources, (2) discipline specific variations at the college- and program-levels, (3) skilled academic advisors of all types, and (4) engaged, committed students. By conceptualizing advising as an ecosystem, CMU creates an environment that fosters long-term outcomes that benefit students while studying at CMU as well as making a difference as lifelong alumni.

The Advising Ecosystem at CMU

Goals

The advising ecosystem centers attention on the growth and development of CMU students while they are enrolled and beyond.   Excellent advising is as varied as our disciplines and students; yet, centralized standards, systems, and resources must connect seamlessly so that students make well-informed decisions.  Advisors are supported in their work allowing for professional growth, intellectual satisfaction, and institutional recognition.  

The ideal advising experience at CMU should reflect qualities of the academic environment: integrated, collaborative, innovative and data-driven. From guiding the transition into the university, movement through the curriculum, and exploration of careers or post-graduate studies, the advising ecosystem supports students in utilizing resources and setting and achieving their goals.    

The CMU advising ecosystem seeks to facilitate:

• Goal setting and planning 
• Leveraging support network 
• Accessing resources  
• Understanding policies 
• Planning for career and post-graduation  

Advising Practice, Tools and Strategies

In order to realize our vision of excellent advising, CMU invests in an advising ecosystem that includes a host of resources and strategies designed to engage and facilitate students’ academic and personal development.

• Adequate advising staffing and resources within each department/program
• Advisor training and professional development`
• Intentional focus on student success
• Collaboration to support student success
• Implement technology
• Contribute to career planning goals

Student Engagement in Advising

Based on research at the national level and years of experience working with CMU students, the CMU advising ecosystem is designed to facilitate student behaviors that are proven to lead to success at the university. By engaging with the broad range of advising resources and student success strategies, students are expected to exhibit these behaviors indicating that they are on the path to successfully complete their degree requirements and attain personal development goals.

• Set goals and plan 
• Engage the CMU support network
• Access resources
• Know and follow the rules 
• Oriented towards the future  

Student Outcomes

By engaging with the advising at CMU advising, students have opportunities and resources to exhibit the success behaviors outlined above.  By conceptualizing advising as an ecosystem, CMU is creating an environment that fosters these long-term outcomes that benefit students both while they are students at CMU as well as lifelong alumni.

As a result of being advised at CMU, students are able to:

• maintain good academic standing in the university,
• feel a sense of belonging and inclusion within the university and their department,
• have individual and supportive relationships with their advisors and professors,
• maintain adequate progress toward completing their degree,
• find employment or further education directly related to their education plan or degree program after graduation; and
• use the skills and knowledge they have gained at Carnegie Mellon University to advance their professional and personal goals after leaving the university.