CARS Advisor-Advocates teach first-year Lions the components included in how to graduate âon timeâ, the resources available for preventing and overcoming academic challenges, and strategies and behaviors for respectful and effective self-advocacy.
Specifically, professional advisor-advocates oversee the following for first-year students:
To ensure Lions learn critical academic self-reliance in the first year, CARS advisor-advocates require new students to attend TWO (2) mandatory advising conferences during each term (Fall and Spring). After attending these conferences, students will be able to do the following:
Student responsibilities in the first year relative to academic advising are as follows:
The transition from high school to college can sometimes be difficult and advisor-advocates are the first resource of support beyond the classroom. Advisor-advocates focus on coaching and empowering students toward their own success so that students may self-advocate and make the best decisions for their academic health and degree progress. Advisor-advocates do NOT take these responsibilities out of studentsâ hands. Instead, they coach students on the applicable resources at their disposal and the time frames and personnel involved to help resolve any issues.
It is critical that students communicate early and often with their CARS Advisor-Advocate before any class issue so that the right, best resources can be accessed by the student. It is always the studentâs responsibility to ask for assistance. CARS advisors will make every effort to provide helpful reminders and outreach to encourage students to stay in close touch.