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Mission Statement
Academic advisement at Methodist University is linked
to the Student-Oriented Goals of the University which include (1) emphasis
on the importance of a broad study of the liberal arts, (2) an in-depth
study of an academic discipline, (3) the development of critical thinking
skills, and (4) preparation for careers and further educational pursuits.
As a component of the academic program of the University, the Academic
Advising Program seeks to facilitate students' progress toward these goals
through a one-on-one relationship with an academic advisor. To that end,
advisors are expected to demonstrate a student-friendly demeanor and actions
that encourage academic and personal growth for all students.
Academic Advising at Methodist University
The academic advising program at Methodist University is based on building
faculty-student relationships. Most students are assigned an advisor who
is a faculty member in the department of the student's major. "Consultations
with Academic Advisors" sessions are scheduled regularly by the University
and published annually on the Academic Calendar. It is imperative that
students check their Methodist University e-mail address regularly for
messages related to academic advising meetings and other important academic
information. Attendance at advising sessions and individual meetings is
also a key component of the Methodist University advising program.
The following is an outline of the advising program, starting at the
point of a new student's decision to attend Methodist University:
- All new students at Methodist University are assigned an advisor upon
acceptance by the University and payment of the deposit fee.
- Advisors are assigned by the Associate Vice President for Academic
Affairs who uses choice of major and other considerations, if applicable,
as a basis for advisor selection. Most students who have indicated a
major will be assigned to a faculty advisor in that department. Students
who are undecided about a major will be assigned to faculty advisors
who work with that specific group.
- Advisors originate a schedule for their new advisees, following University
policy related to placement, transfer credits, and other special considerations.
- New students are notified of their advisor assignment through the
MU e-mail
system. Advisor contact information (e-mail address, office location,
and phone) is included in this correspondence.
- Communication between advisors and new students is encouraged and
facilitated throughout the assignment process.
- Schedules are e-mailed to students via the MU
e-mail system.
- For new day students in the fall semester: advising meetings are
scheduled during the Fall Orientation period.
- For new MU at Night students throughout the year: The Assistant Dean
for MU at Night serves as the initial advisor. Upon declaration of a
major, MU at Night students are assigned a co-advisor in the department
of their major.
- For new day students in the spring semester: All of the above applies,
with the exception of Orientation meetings. New spring students will
meet their advisor early in the semester during "Consultation with
Academic Advisors" sessions. These sessions occur twice during
each semester and are publicized on campus calendars and via the MU
e-mail system.
Change of Advisor and/or Major
When students wish to change their advisor or their major, a Request
for Change form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar.
It is also used for requesting a change related to declaring a minor and/or
for a catalogue change.
Advising Tools and Resources
In addition to regularly scheduled meetings with advisors, there are
several resources that students are encouraged to utilize in order to
understand their academic curriculum. These are (1) the Academic Catalogue,
(2) the Academic Checksheets, and (3) the Four-Year Suggested Plans.
Students are subject to the graduation requirements of the Academic
Catalogue under which they entered, for example, a student entering
in fall 2009 would adhere to the requirements of the 2009-2010 Academic
Catalogue. Students may request a change of catalogue, but may only move
forward to a newer catalogue than their original one. The Academic Catalogue
is the most comprehensive reference source for academic programs and policies.
The Academic Checksheets are summaries
of course requirements for a particular major. These checksheets are available
for every major at Methodist University and are updated annually.
The Four-Year Suggested Plans recommend to students
a strategy for completing degree requirements over a four-year period.
These plans are available for every major at Methodist University and
are updated annually.
Transfer students should visit the Reigstrar's
Office Web site for information about transfer credit evaluation,
including transfer credits from North Carolina community colleges, Advance
Placement scores, and International Baccalaureate programs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Advising
What can I do with a major in ____ ?
Visit the staff in the Office of Career Services in the Berns Center or
visit them online at www.methodist.edu/careerservices
Who will be my advisor?
The Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs makes the initial assignment
for all new MU students. The assignment is based on the students' indication
of their probable major and/or concentration. Students will consult with
advisors on all matters related to academic affairs and their class schedules.
It is imperative that students utilize the MU e-mail system regularly
for communication from the University related to academic affairs and
academic advising. It is also important that students attend all scheduled
advising meetings throughout the academic year.
What does "catalogue year" mean?
Each year changes are made to the Academic Catalogue.
The catalogue that applies to you is the catalogue in existence when you
first attended the university. For example, if you came to Methodist University
in Fall 2009, your "catalogue year" is 2009-2010.
How many hours is a full load?
A full course load is 12 or more semester hours. This is the minimum number
of hours to be classified as a full-time student.
What GPA do I need to graduate?
Generally, students need to maintain a GPA of 2.00 or higher a) Overall,
b) in residency, c) in the major, d) in the minor and e) in the concentration.
However, some majors require higher GPA’s so be sure to check your
academic catalogue for the GPA requirements for your specific major, minor
and/or concentration.
How do I change my major? My advisor?
These changes are facilitated by completing a Request
for Change form which is then submitted to the Registrar's Office.
Is tutoring available at MU?
Yes. Please see the Tutoring Center page for
details.
When are the CLEP tests offered?
You must call (910) 630-7151 and schedule an appointment to take the CLEP
test at least two days in advance. The fee for CLEP tests is $150 per
test. A fee of $75 must be paid to the Business Office prior to taking
the CLEP and a fee of $75, payable to the Educational Testing Service,
will be required at the time of testing. Payment methods for ETS must
be check, money order, or credit card. Allow yourself 2-3 hours for each
test you plan to take.
What is Early Registration?
Early Registration is the period of time each semester when students register
for the upcoming semester.
GPA Calculator
The GPA calculation is just an estimate. It does
not represent your official grades. Please talk to your advisor or
the Registrar's Office if you have any questions.
Enter the course, number of credits, and letter grade you will receive or
expect to receive for each course.
-
Grades of WP, P, or I do not count toward GPA. Do not
enter these courses.
-
The grade of WF counts toward GPA. Enter all courses
in which you've received a WF.
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