Academic Advising - Staff

About the A.A.D.L.U and Academic Advising

The University of the West Indies is committed to providing effective advising services to students as an essential component of their educational experience. Students are encouraged to seek academic advising regularly throughout their academic careers.  Students are responsible for initiating advising contact and preparing for advising sessions.

Advising is available to all students to assist in and provide the following;-

1. Goal setting. Help students set both short-term and long-term educational goals

2. Information. Inform students of the graduation requirements of their department, help with strategic course selections so as to minimize the number of semesters required for graduation and inform students of career opportunities in their field of study.

3. Transitions.  Inform students how to change faculties or campus and provide information to explain the process students follow to drop or add courses during the semester.

4. Accessibility.  Have reasonable hours and methods of availability for students.  Students should be able to set up appointments for an adequate amount of time to make curricular selections and career choices.

5. Referral to campus resources.  Be able to refer students to various campus resources, University Counseling Services (C.A.P.S), Career and employment Services etc.

Students are ultimately responsible for fulfilling all the requirements of the curriculum in which they are enrolled.  Students share responsibility for a successful university experience and are expected to contribute to effective advising sessions by:-

1. Participation in orientation programmes and providing an academic history that aids in course selection decisions.

2. Working with a Faculty advisor to develop and implement both long and short-term educational and career goals

3. Knowing academic policies and procedures, academic calendar deadlines and degree or program requirement.

4. Consulting with a faculty advisor when necessary and following through on recommendations.

5. Scheduling and keeping appointments with faculty advisor.  Coming prepared for appointments by bringing appropriate materials, identifying course choices from requirements of the preferred program or major and identifying questions to address

6. Informing a faculty advisor of any special needs, deficiencies or barriers, that might affect academic success, so that he/she can be referred if needs be.

7. Remaining informed of progress in meeting academic requirements, carefully maintaining academic records and seeking assistance to resolve any errors or questions.