_______________________________________________

Philosophy

Christopher Newport University (CNU) recognizes academic advising as a critical component in the education of its undergraduate students.  Academic advising at CNU is a teaching and learning experience that encourages students to be actively engaged in developing and implementing a sound educational plan based on individual values, goals, interests and abilities.

The key element of the advising process is the relationship between the advisor and the student which promotes student exploration and the achievement of academic and life goals.  It is in this relationship that students learn “how to go to college,” to include understanding program requirements, institutional navigation, institutional policies & procedures, and the responsibilities of both students and advisors.

Academic Advising for Students

Students have an academic advisor who is a faculty member in their major.  Faculty are specialists in their academic disciplines and work with students to ensure the selection of courses appropriate to the student’s goals and interests as well as the departmental requirements for graduation.  Certain programs and departments have restricted admission, which requires pre-authorization before a student may major in that discipline.  Students who have not yet chosen a major are advised by the full-time advisors in the Academic Advising Center where they may find assistance in academic planning and selecting a major.  Students may declare a major at any time and must do so by the time they have acquired 60 semester hours. 

Students are urged to consult with their academic advisors before registering or making any changes to their class schedules.  Students who find themselves in academic difficulty or on probation should also consult with their academic advisors.

Advisors will make every effort to give effective guidance to students in academic matters and to refer students to those qualified to help them in other matters, but the final responsibility for meeting all academic requirements for a selected program rests with the student.