This handbook is designed for the graduate student in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Any graduate program is well-served by having a clearly defined and concisely written plan, handbook, or curriculum, and this one, although it is intended for graduate students in this particular department at…

Women in institutions of higher education who deserve special attention in advising situations include those with multiple responsibilities, those in under-represented fields, and reentry women. Factors that can help women be successful in an institutional setting are a supportive family and informal peer support groups. Stressors for women seem…

Reviews Miami-Dade Community College's four-phase student flow model, which involves admission and assessment; advisement and counseling; competency monitoring via the school's academic alert support, supplemental educational services support, academic progress support, and advisement graduation information systems; and the Emphasis on Excellence…

Issues in tort and contract law and recent experiences in litigation that influence the academic adviser's responsibility are outlined, including negligence, nondisclosure and misrepresentation, defamation, written and oral contracts, and the adviser as an agent of the institution. Specific areas of adviser vulnerability are noted. (MSE)

Describes a method for evaluating academic advisement which includes the staff in the evaluation process. The college Advisement Center Self-Study Guide creates an opportunity for program changes and improvements to be developed internally, with its major strength as preventative research. Advisement accreditation standards are outlined. (JAC)

The Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) provides valuable historical and current data for research and decision making. Its organization, procedures, products, and services are described, including those of the Clearinghouse on Higher Education. Manual and computer search guides are provided. (MSE)

The American College Testing Program (ACT) makes available to institutions a variety of tools and training materials to enhance academic advising. These include a student profile/interest inventory/development test package, programed manual, training sessions and publications, and consulting services. (MSE)

A minority-owned firm, Consultants in Evaluating and Surveying Higher Education Programs, provides services to help institutions improve minority-oriented programs. Related to academic advising, they include examination of the balance of common and unique cultural elements in advising and expectations that minority students either change the world…

Literature on faculty relationships with new students (freshmen and transfers) as it relates to orientation programs is reviewed, and an experimental Brigham Young freshman mentoring program and its outcomes are discussed. Short-range goals were achieved, students were positively influenced, and program continuance was supported. (MSE)

Difficulties in undertaking home study can include lack of local facilities and support services such as tutoring and counseling. A British project with the National Extension College undertook to identify the special needs of correspondence students and provide direct, convenient local support services. (MSE)

A study examined interactions among students' grades, hours worked in paid employment, and semester hours completed. Three generalizations emerged: (1) academic success varied with ability; (2) advisors do not suggest lighter academic loads for working students; and (3) advice giving students too much free time may reduce their academic…

Examines implications of postmodernism, particularly chaos theory, for academic advising. Suggests that postmodernist advising acknowledges student angst and self-doubt, views each individual as a unique person and each advising session as a unique opportunity, views change as an ally rather than nemesis, and believes the advisor's impact is not…

Discussion of changes in classrooms as a result of communication networks focuses on teachers' roles in future educational settings. Topics include teachers as information consultants, as team collaborators, as facilitators, as course developers, and as academic advisors; and the computer and communication skills needed by teachers. (LRW)

A consortium of 20 organizations has designed standards and guidelines for improving the quality of student services and the training of professionals involved in student services and development programs. They address a variety of issues including mission, program design, leadership and management, administration, funding, facilities,…

Orientation at the graduate level can serve many functions such as reducing anxiety, familiarizing students with new academic challenges, and orienting students' spouses. It can also improve student retention, satisfaction, and success. Guidelines for developing programs responsive to graduate students' diverse needs are offered. (Author/MSE)