Most of the problems that result in students discontinuing
their academic programs are caused either
directly or
indirectly by the dissonance between student expectations
and the realities of the educational experience.
Academic
International advisers provide assistance
preventing, mediating, and
resolving the disappointment
caused by these very common
misperceptions of the
Our advisers can show
students how to turn these
perceived negative attributes into
positive learning
experiences that will enable students to discover
exciting and fulfilling academic & life goals.
Students Discontinue their Academic Program
Get A Helping Hand From AcademicInternational.net
•
Dissonance - Student
expectations about an academic program are disappointed by reality & subject matter does not motivate student to learn.
• Transition/Adjustment Difficulty - Student is discouraged by obstacles & complications
that arise while attempting to complete an academic program.
• Academic
Underpreparedness - Student does not have the appropriate background
education and becomes overwhelmed by the program's requirements.
• Lack
of Certainty - Student feels unsure about their
choice of major or occupation. Student decides the academic program is not the right choice for their life goals.
•
External Factors - Student
experiences unexpected financial hardships, health issues or personal
obligations.
Categories of Students Most in Need of Advising
• Entering
First Year Students
• Students
on Academic Probation
• Students
Changing Majors
• Non-traditional
Students
Entering
First Year Students
Academic
advising goes beyond the clerical functions of scheduling classes and
preparing degree plans that are typically offered by universities. Academic International
academic advising assists students with developing consistent
educational goals, clarifying personal and career goals, and
evaluating their progress. Our advising is a decision-making process;
in which, the sharing of information between student and adviser
promotes responsible and appropriate choices and facilitates a
successful academic experience.
Most
students enter college without having made final decisions about
majors and careers; and, even those who declare a major right away,
are likely to change that major during their college experience.
Academic International advisers provide students with knowledgeable
insight about alternative majors and career paths, and help them
start exploring options and pursuing goals. Academic International
advising also increases student satisfaction through academic and
career planning, as well as goal setting, which improves outcomes for
our students. These activities help students learn how to make good
decisions and increases their likelihood of staying in
college.
Most
transfer students already have specific academic and career goals,
but they need to understand the practical differences between their
previous school (often a two-year school where more personal
attention may have been available) and the institution into which
they are transferring. Traditional Universities lack the resources to
individually address specific transfer student issues, and most
university advisers lack the training and knowledge required
to help transfer students with all the complications caused when a
student transfers from one institution to another. Academic
International advisers are knowledgeable about all types of
educational institutions, and our advising will help
students maximize their transfer credits by finding creative ways to
minimize time and credit losses because of transferring to a new
school.
Our expert advisers help to ensure that you get what you want and
need from your educational experience.
The
challenges of advising international students are unique and we are
here to help! Traditional university advisers are ill-equipped to
advise these students effectively. They are unfamiliar with issues
particular to international students, and traditional university
advisers are unable to answer questions students have regarding
cultural differences, feelings of isolation, language and
communication barriers. Academic International advisers specialize in providing the
support that international students need to be successful.
Students
on Academic Probation
In
every college and university, some students will fail to meet the
academic standards of the institution and be placed on academic
warning, probation or suspension. This may happen for any number of
reasons: academic under preparedness, poor study skills and habits,
lack of motivation and effort, personal and social difficulties, or
poor and inappropriate choice of courses or major. The research shows that, once a student is put on
notice of academic warning or probation, he or she is unlikely to
voluntarily meet with a traditional university adviser; even though,
contact with a “significant person” is a deciding factor in
whether or not these students stay in school. In theses situations,
Academic International advisers personally reach out to students and help them identify
the issues and situations contributing to their academic difficulties.
We help them set short and long term goals and guides them through the
development of a plan to accomplish their goals.
Students
Switching Majors
Students
changing majors are a significant portion of the student population
today. It is estimated that up to 75% of students will change their
major, at least, once during their college career. Students change
their majors for a number of reasons including lack of information,
outside influences, developmental issues, and academic difficulties.
Sometimes the change is involuntary, when a student is not admitted
to the program or major that he or she planned to complete. This is a
a frequent occurrence with highly competitive programs and selective majors.
Changing
majors does not have to be the loss of a dream; instead, Academic International advisers
help students realize all the new opportunities available to them.
Our Advisers working with this population of students feel
comfortable with the student expressing their true feelings. We are
able to help the student progress from disappointment and depression
to acceptance and optimism, by being knowledgeable about alternative
majors and career paths, and by being able to help the student start
pursuing other options.
Non-traditional
aged, or adult students, are generally defined as those who are
twenty-five or older and/or have had some time elapse between high
school and college enrollment. The number of non-traditional students
in higher education has increased dramatically in the last
twenty-five years; they are currently estimated to make up over 42%
of the total student population.
Non-traditional
students present some unique challenges to traditional university
advisers. Most of these students work full or part-time jobs, and it
may be difficult for them to access and utilize student services,
including advising during regularly scheduled hours. Academic International advisers are
available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and are there when you need
them.
Non-traditional
students are less involved with college life and usually are managing
multiple roles. Their motivation for returning to higher education
may have been a life-changing event, such as a divorce or job
termination; and, they may have a history of negative experiences in
education. Academic International advisers understand the adult student’s unique
situation and are trained and ready to support the student with
personal issues in addition to their academic goals.
