At Drexel, academic advising provides students with the guidance and resources they need to engage fully in University, departmental, and programmatic offerings. As part of the Custom-Designed Major (CSDN), academic advising operates in tandem with faculty mentorship in order to assist students in planning their educational career, in developing the skills needed for academic success, and in learning how to access the variety of resources and services available to them.

Academic advising is a collaborative educational process whereby students and their advisors are partners in meeting essential learning outcomes and outlining the steps for achievement of the students’ personal, academic, and career goals. This advisor/advisee partnership requires participation and involvement of both the advisor and the advisee as it is built over the student’s entire educational experience at Drexel. Both the advisee and the advisor have clear responsibilities for ensuring the advising partnership is successful, as outlined below.

In a community of inquiry, academic advising is an educational process that, by intention and design, facilitates students’ understanding of the meaning and purpose of higher education and fosters their intellectual and personal development toward academic success and lifelong learning.

Advisee Responsibilities — What CSDN Students Are Expected To Do

• Become knowledgeable about University programs, policies, and procedures
• Familiarize yourself with course catalogue offerings and Drexel's Term Master Schedule
• Recognize courses needing restrictions lifted or advisor outreach on your behalf
• Come prepared to each appointment with questions or material for discussion
• Be an active learner by participating fully in the advising experience
• Track progress toward meeting academic goals and graduation
• Maintain regular contact and schedule regular appointments to track academic progress

Advisor Responsibilities — What CSDN Students Can Expect

• Effective communication regarding curriculum, graduation requirements, and university policies and procedures
• Active maintenance of lines of communication among faculty, administration, and students
• Advisement and assistance with the registration process, as well as help in resolving any problems that may arise
• Provision of information and strategies for utilizing available resources and services on campus
• Assistance in understanding the purposes and goals of higher education and their effects on students’ lives and personal goals
• Assistance in finding a faculty mentor and facilitating the student/mentor relationship
• Guidance on defining and developing realistic academic goals
• Assistance in cultivating decision-making, communication, and critical-thinking skills necessary to assume responsibility for educational planning and success 
• Accessibility for meeting through office hours, telephone, and/or email
• Maintenance of confidentiality