Student Advising

All Eastern Mennonite University students are assigned to an advisor in their major. The social work program director advises all transfer students and students with special considerations. Students are encouraged to carefully consider all aspects of their personal calling to and professional commitment to social work. The faculty routinely engages students in conversation about the personal and professional attributes and values necessary for the profession.

Students uncertain about their potential or calling for a career in social work are strongly encouraged to consult with social work faculty at any point in their EMU experience.

All full-time social work faculty maintain regular office hours. These hours are posted on each professor’s office door. It is not necessary to make an appointment to meet with the professor during these hours. However, appointments can be scheduled if it is impossible for students to meet during the professor’s regular office hours.

Academic advisors are expected to:

1. Help with course selection, scheduling and registration each semester.
2. Answer questions regarding university requirements (particularly the core or general education curriculum) and procedures.
3. Be knowledgeable about university resources that can help students with problem areas (study skills, career exploration, tutoring), and assist them in making contact with appropriate support services.
4. Help students establish realistic goals for the academic year.
5. Help explore career plan alternatives.
6. Support students’ individual development.
7. Abide by the rules of confidentiality.
8. Keep regular office hours and be available for appointments.

Students are expected to:

1. Meet with their advisors on a regular basis (to be determined after initial meeting).
2. Give accurate information concerning their interests and abilities.
3. Indicate to their advisors if they are having difficulties.
4. Strive to meet the goals established for the academic year.
5. Make use of the university resources available to help students.
6. Select individual courses from those suggested and construct a tentative schedule prior to pre-registration each semester.
7. Commit themselves to develop and apply effective study habits.
8. Attend all classes on a regular basis.
9. Complete appropriate paper work when making schedule changes or withdrawing from classes.