Academic Advising

The Academic Resource Center
113 Curtis Hall
215 204-2500, 2501
dus@temple.edu

Goal and Objectives

Students enrolled in University Studies use the advising services of the Academic Resource Center, an academic support program established in 1997 to meet the needs of deciding students. Any student at Temple, whether enrolled in University Studies or not, is welcome and encouraged to participate in the first-year programs or to use the services of the Academic Resource Center.

Academic advisers are important sources of information on University policies and procedures, the Core Curriculum requirements, and degree programs. While students must assume primary responsibility for knowing the requirements for their degree and for acquiring information about their academic status, academic advisers are a valuable resource. Advisers introduce students to the various sources of information available on academic programs, enabling students to be well-informed partners in their own education.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet regularly with academic advisers to discuss academic plans, course selection, and registration. Students not eligible for on-line or telephone registration are required to see an adviser for course selection and registration.

Academic advisers attempt to avoid errors when advising students about their program requirements, but schools and colleges cannot assume liability for errors in advising. Therefore, students must assume primary responsibility for knowing the requirements for their degree and for acquiring current information about their academic status.

At the Academic Resource Center, a staff of professional and peer advisers works closely with students from the time they arrive at Temple through their successful transitions into schools/colleges and declared majors. Advisers meet with students on a walk-in and appointment bases in both individual and group advising sessions.

Services Provided through the Advising Office

o Print and on-line information on Temple school/colleges and majors
o Assistance and counseling on declaring majors and completing the intra-university    transfer process (IUT – transferring from one Temple school/college to another)
o An on-line newsletter with information about upcoming programs and events
o Workshops on academic planning and study skills
o Events showcasing different majors
o Visiting Faculty Advisers: Advisers from the schools and colleges are available at specific times to meet with students interested in learning more about their academic programs and degree requirements. Programs that have provided visiting advisers in previous semesters include Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Health Information Management, Physical Therapy, Tyler School of Art, and Health Studies.

Special advising policies and procedures

Enrollment in the Division of University Studies – Beginning fall 2002 and after, undergraduates matriculated in the Division of University Studies as undeclared majors and who entered University Studies as either freshmen, transfer students, or intra-university transfers from another Temple school or college prior to the completion of 45 credits, can remain in University Studies up to the completion of 60 credits. Students entering University Studies having completed between 45-59 credits can remain in University Studies up to two academic year semesters if enrolled full-time or until completion of 60 credits if attending part-time.

Students enrolled in University Studies in pre-nursing or pre-health information management tracks can remain in the Division up to the completion of 60 credits or until acceptance into an upper division College of Health Professions program, whichever comes first. Upon completion of 60 credits, pre- health professions students can remain in University Studies only if a University Studies or College of Health Professions adviser certifies the student is on track for admission following completion of remaining pre-requisites.

University Studies students can declare majors throughout the year (except in January and August) in accordance with the declaration of major standards set forth by the individual schools and colleges and the intra-university transfer (IUT) guidelines established by the University. University Studies students can also request a change in status from undecided to an academic program within a college during their New Student Orientation visit.

Note: University Studies students must meet the University’s minimum standard for academic standing to remain enrolled in the Division.