Undergraduate advising
The Liberal Studies for Early and Elementary Education Program at Virginia Commonwealth University considers academic advising a cooperative effort between the adviser and the student. Professional advisers provide recommendations to their advisees in terms of academic planning and career goals, and expect their advisees to take a continuous, active role in this process. The student has the ultimate responsibility of his/her schedule and academic plans, including adherence to all deadlines set by the University as indicated on the academic calendar and meeting degree requirements as specified in the VCU Undergraduate Bulletin.
Advising model
Our goal is to make available all the information necessary for you to make the very best choices in your upcoming enrollment while facilitating a timely graduation which will save you money in the long run! We strongly recommend every student meet with an adviser prior to registration every semester to ensure accurate course selection and timely progress towards degree completion.
First-year students
- Advised by University Academic Advising (Strategic Enrollment Management)
- Located on the first floor of Hibbs Hall
- Contact (804) 827-8648 or schedule an appointment
Declared second-year students, juniors and seniors, and all transfer students
Professional advisers in the College of Humanities and Sciences assist with course selection to help students make timely and accurate progress towards degree completion.
- Advising on course selection, pre-professional testing, Extended Teacher Preparation Program and Master in Teaching Program requirements and applications
- Advising location: Founders Hall (827 W. Franklin St.), room 102
- Contact (804) 827-8211, hsadvisor@vcu.edu or schedule an appointment
- Regularly check your student email account for messages from your adviser (your question may have already been answered).
- Be punctual. Be respectful of your adviser’s and fellow students' time.
- Come prepared (note-taking materials, printed forms to be signed or submitted, V-number, etc.)
- Know what you want to accomplish. . . come ready with questions.
- Turn cell phones off or to silent.
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Students must pass a minimum of 120 semester hours (total) to receive an undergraduate degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. There are no exceptions to this rule.
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Students must obtain at least 45 upper level credits in order to graduate. There are no exceptions to this rule.
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Students must achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater to graduate. (Students must meet a minimum 3.0 GPA to advance to upper-level classes in the LSEE Program.)
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All LSEE majors are strongly urged to consult with their academic adviser prior to registering for courses each semester.
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Pay attention to emails, announcements and Blackboard posts. This is the official line of communication from the Liberal Studies for Early and Elementary Education program to its majors.
Advising roles
Adviser
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Explain the university’s curriculum, requirements, policies and procedures when needed
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Encourage and guide students to define and develop realistic educational goals
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Review degree progress with students
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Assist students with planning programs consistent with their abilities and interests
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Listen carefully to questions, concerns and confusions
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Apprise students of available resources and job/internship opportunities
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Discuss the relationship between academic preparation and the work world
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Communicate with and inform students about relevant information concerning the degree program
Student
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Become knowledgeable about college programs, policies, schedules/deadlines and procedures
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Clarify personal values and goals
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Participate proactively in the decision-making process
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Review their degree audit prior to each appointment
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Follow through on suggested actions, resources or referrals
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Keep a personal record of academic progress
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Accept responsibility for academic decisions and performance
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Check student email regularly and be professional when communicating with faculty and staff through email