Program Advisement Services
Overview
AVCU is committed to ensuring that every student learns and understands the core values of their chosen discipline. Although AVC University is primarily a graduate institution, it also provides essential academic advising services typically found at undergraduate universities. These services are designed to help students review their academic pathways and requirements to enhance their overall student experience and increase their chances of academic success. Advisors at AVCU are categorized into Academic Mentors, Faculty Advisors, and Thesis Advisors. All advisors are expected to maintain professional integrity, confidentiality, respect, and sensitivity while advising students. In some cases, the same advisor might serve in more than one category.
Academic Mentors
Our mentors are dedicated to guiding students in both their personal and professional development, as well as their career paths and broader life goals. They offer valuable insights, share their experiences, and provide support to build students' confidence as they navigate their careers and personal challenges. Academic mentors assist students in the following areas:
• Understanding University Policies: Provide a comprehensive overview of university policies and procedures.
• Academic and Career Planning: Discuss academic and career goals, and help students develop a clear roadmap to graduation.
• Graduation Requirements: Clarify specific graduation requirements for their degree programs, including related policies and procedures.
• Course Selection and Registration: Advise with the selection of relevant courses and guide students through the registration process.
Upon acceptance to the university, each student is assigned a mentor. Students are required to contact their mentor after receiving their Letter of Admission for virtual advisement sessions. Following these sessions, students will receive approval to register for classes and will be recommended a faculty advisor.
Faculty Advisors
Each student is assigned a dedicated Faculty Advisor who plays a pivotal role in guiding their academic journey. The Faculty Advisor's responsibilities include:
• Supervise the student's personalized academic program to ensure alignment with their goals and program requirements.
• Provide approval for the student’s selected courses prior to registration.
• Assist the student in understanding their coursework and how it fits into their overall academic plan.
• Meet with the student at the beginning of each term to review and approve course selections before registration.
• Help the student learn essential academic logistics, including how to navigate the student information system and understand the academic calendar.
• Guide the student through program requirements and ensure that they are on track to meet their academic goals.
• Conduct preliminary degree audits to monitor the student's progress towards their degree.
• Address any questions or concerns that the student may have about program requirements and courses.
• Assist the students to learn basic academic logistics and how to navigate the student information system, program requirements, and academic calendar
• Work with students to enhance their academic standing to boost their employability.
Thesis Advisors
Students are required to register for MSIS 600 Thesis Advisement before commencing their master’s thesis research. Eligibility for the course is completion of the first twelve (12) credit hours of their program. The course is zero credit hour, and taught by the student’s thesis advisor. The student must successfully complete MSIS 600 before being allowed to commence their Thesis research project. The schedule for MSIS 600 is flexible, and completely up to the thesis advisor and the student.
Thesis advisors are appointed and approved by the department Chair after the student has successfully completed the MSIS 600 Thesis Advisement course. Thesis advisors are selected from program faculty members who meets the qualifications determined by the Faculty Senate. In the absence of a faculty member with the required qualifications, the University may approve an external advisor to work with a faculty member to advise the student’s thesis process (see thesis guidelines).
Thesis Advisors guide the graduate students through the complex process of developing, researching, and writing their thesis. They provide essential support and expertise to ensure the students’ academic success and the production of a high-quality research. The key responsibilities of a thesis advisor include:
• Assist the student in selecting a relevant and feasible research topic that aligns with his/her interests and the academic goals of their program.
• Provide feedback on research proposals to ensure clarity, coherence, and academic rigor.
• Keep the student motivated and on track to meet his/her deadlines and academic goals.
• Regularly meet with the student to monitor his/her progress, discuss challenges, and adjust research plans as needed.
• Ensure that the student's research complies with ethical standards, institutional guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with other committee members to provide comprehensive feedback and support.