Academic Advisors and Success Coaches

As part of the Pirate Plan, Southwestern students receive personalized support throughout their four-year journey.

During the first year, a student’s Success Coach also serves as their Academic Advisor. Beginning in the second year, students work with both an Academic Advisor and a Success Coach, creating a coordinated support system that connects academics, campus experiences, and future goals.

Academic Advisors help students make meaningful connections among coursework, experiential learning, and co-curricular opportunities, while Success Coaches provide additional guidance, support, and accountability as students navigate their Southwestern Experience.

Learn About the Pirate Plan

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As you work with your academic advisor to navigate your academic career at Southwestern, the following goals will help guide the process.

Advising goals:

• Develop an intentional collaborative relationship with your advisor.
• Understand the structure and purpose of Southwestern’s curriculum.
• Create a narrative that connects your classes, experiential learning, and co-curricular programming.
• Identify and explain your personal and professional short and long-term goals.
• Use institutional resources to meet your goals.

Resources

Use the following resources to design and support your academic advising experience. Contact our office anytime you have questions or additional needs.

Student Resources

An introduction to academic advising at Southwestern, planning tools, and frequently asked questions.

Resources for Students

Advisor Resources

Best practices for academic advisors, research from the field, and helpful logistical information.

Resources for Advisors

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Student and Academic Advisor Responsibilities

The student-academic advisor relationship can make a significant contribution to your success at Southwestern. To make the most of the academic advising process, please review the responsibilities of both students and academic advisors below.

Student Responsibilities
• Develop a strong working relationship with your advisor and make appointments when requested and necessary.
• Be respectful and inclusive in your communications and interactions with your advisor.
• Prepare for and be active in your advising meetings and ask questions when you have them.
• Reflect on your personal interests, skills, and goals and share them with your advisor.
• Learn and understand the Catalog and SU’s policies, procedures, deadlines, and requirements.
• Use the technological resources (WebAdvisor, etc) available to help you make informed decisions toward and plan your degree requirements.
• Seek out additional faculty and staff who can assist you with your academic and career planning when needed.
• Follow through on plans-of-action identified during advising meetings.
• Take responsibility for completing your academic plan.
Advisor Responsibilities
• Develop a strong working relationship with your advisee and be available for appointments as needed
• Be respectful and inclusive in your communications and interactions with your advisee
• Inform your student about your advising style and expectations
• Assist students in exploring and defining their interests, skills, and goals
• Remain current with the Catalog and SU’s policies, procedures, deadlines, and requirements
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student information while following FERPA guidelines at all times
• Inform students of and provide appropriate referrals to campus resources that enhance their academic and/or personal experience at SU
• Discuss plans-of-action
• Help students to make decisions and take ownership of their choices