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Academic Advising

Academic advising at Saint Louis University-Madrid is an important aspect of the educational experience. Students are assigned a professional academic advisor who works with them throughout their time at SLU-Madrid. The Office of Academic Advising provides students with the support and resources necessary to achieve their academic goals.

Two students talking while sitting at the PRH patio

Our goals are to:

  • Assist students in their understanding of academic requirements.
  • Nurture intellectual maturation and self-confidence.
  • Encourage students to take an active role in the advisement process.
  • Foster a positive working relationship between students, advisors and faculty mentors.
  • Discuss academic and/or personal concerns with the student and, when appropriate, refer the student to relevant programs or offices within the University structure.

Our advising staff is here to help you plan your curriculum, locate necessary information and resources, and navigate University policies and procedures. 

Expectations for Students

  • Meet the academic advisor at appropriate times and come to advising appointments prepared to assume responsibility for curriculum and degree planning.
  • Clarify your personal values and goals and provide the advisor with information regarding academic interests and abilities.
  • Become knowledgeable about University programs, policies and procedures, and utilize available resources and services.
  • Effectively utilize technological platforms (Courses@SLU, Degree Works, EAB Navigate, Banner Self-Service, etc.) for course registration and educational planning.
  • Utilize campus resources and services that can assist them in achieving their academic, personal, and career goals.
  • Keep a personal record of your progress toward completing degree requirements and meeting academic goals.
  • Accept responsibility for the decisions and actions (or inactions) that affect your educational progress and goals.

Expectations for Academic Advisors

  • Protect and secure the integrity of a SLU degree by enforcing University and departmental policies and requirements.
  • Understand and effectively communicate the curriculum, graduation requirements, and policies and procedures.
  • Be available, approachable and personable.
  • Demonstrate concern for and an interest in students' success.
  • Assist students in working closely with their faculty mentors and their professors.
  • Make appropriate referrals within the University.
  • Encourage students to develop skills that will lead to self-responsibility.
  • In the spirit of Jesuit tradition, demonstrate care and respect for each student, and model the University Mission.
  • Maintain confidentiality and do not discuss students' academic records without permission.

Student Outcomes

  1. Regarding pre-registration, as a result of the advising process each year, students will be able to do the following: 
    • Know where to find information about the process and dates related to academic advising and registration;
    • Use the University’s scheduling/registration platform(s) to create a list of appropriate courses for the upcoming semester; and 
    • Select courses that meet requirements of their SLU degree (major, Core, electives).
  2. Regarding degree-planning, as a result of the advising process each year, students will be able to do the following: 
    • Develop and monitor an educational plan for achieving their academic goals;
    • Know where to find information about relevant academic policies and procedures. When necessary, understand how an academic policy/procedure impacts their educational progress; and
    • Effectively utilize technological platforms (Courses@SLU, Degree Works, EAB Navigate, Banner Self Service, etc.) to assist in educational planning and course registration.
  3. Regarding resources, students will be able to do the following: 
    • Identify and utilize campus resources and services that can assist them in achieving their academic, personal, and career goals; and
    • Identify members of their success team and understand the purpose/expertise of each assigned staff/faculty when prompted.

Components of Our Advising Model

  • Advisors support individualized educational planning and encourage strategies for academic and transitional success during the first and second years.
  • Advisors assist students as they transition into the second half of their degrees, provide guidance in discovering advanced topics of interest, promote understanding of degree requirements and relevant policies/procedures, and create graduation plans to ensure successful completion of degrees.
  • Faculty mentors help with educational planning and offer a disciplinary perspective on identifying students' interests and information on specific majors and careers.
  • The study abroad advisor helps students identify study abroad experiences, assists with application procedures, and monitors the progress and successful completion of the off-campus semester.
  • The career counselor helps students to identify career options and to obtain internships and work experience in those fields.

Students are responsible for active participation in the advising process. Through collaboration with all aspects of the advising process, students achieve the support needed for successful transition, academic success, and choice of major and career.