The Deidre Middleton Office of Academic Advising educates students, faculty, and staff on the Augsburg curriculum; interprets academic policies and procedures; and supports students in achieving their educational and vocational goals.
MISSION
Academic Advising is grounded in Augsburg’s mission: we focus on the liberal arts, faith and reason, civic engagement, and intentional diversity. We believe that in addition to our connection with these principles, we also play an important role in nurturing future leaders.
HISTORY
Deidre (Durand) Middleton graduated from Augsburg in 1988 with a BA in Communication Studies, and her daughter, Alison, graduated from Augsburg that same year. While pursuing her BA degree and raising her family, Middleton continued working as a paraprofessional. After graduation, she served as an academic advisor at Augsburg until her retirement in 2001.
After a long battle with cancer, Deidre Middleton passed away on November 24, 2012. She is remembered for her personal commitment to each of her students through helping them to discover their gifts and talents, and guiding them to achieve success while at Augsburg. Through generous gifts from her husband of 52 years, Bruce Middleton, and her mother-in-law, Edith Middleton, the Academic Advising Office was named in honor of Deidre’s love for Augsburg and her 14 years of exceptional service to the Augsburg community.
HOW WE WORK
Our academic advisors are trained to work with students who are new to the university, as well as current students as they progress in their degrees. Our advisors provide comprehensive support services to students, which include navigating Augsburg’s curriculum requirements, university policies and procedures; connecting students to resources on campus; and academic and registration planning.
OUR ADVISING MODEL
All students are assigned an academic advisor as soon as they start at Augsburg. Our hands-on advising approach is especially evident during the first year to ensure a smooth transition to Augsburg. First-year students are required to check in with their advisor at least once a semester to ensure all questions are answered, and to plan out their schedule for the upcoming semester. Sophomores, juniors and seniors with declared majors have an academic advisor, but they are also assigned a faculty mentor in the department they are majoring in to remain connected within the department. This dual advising model allows students to have a strong network of support across multiple departments on campus. Undeclared/undecided students will remain with their academic advisor until they declare their major.
Academic advising curriculum
ACADEMIC ADVISING LEARNING OUTCOMES
Understand the expectations of a successful college student
- Utilizing support and resources (Knack Tutoring, CLASS (Disability Resource Center), Center for Wellness and Counseling, etc.)
- Making academic progress (32 credits completed per year and >2.0 GPA)
- Major discernment
- Academic Goals – long and short term
Assist new students to navigate the culture of higher education
- Connecting students to financial services
- Reviewing academic calendar deadlines
- Academic success through Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Engage and use appropriate tools to complete comprehensive academic planning
- Making academic progress (32 credits and >2.0 GPA)
- Term registration planning
- Using Records & Registration, the Registrar Office and Academic Advising website
- Complete prerequisite course work and ENL111 in the first year
- Develop a long term plan
EXPECTATIONS
Students can expect advisors to:
- Understand and communicate curriculum, requirements, policies, and procedures
- Listen to your concerns respectfully
- Support you in defining your academic, career, and personal goals
- Assist in creating an academic plan
- Refer you to campus resources
Advisors expect the student to:
- Become knowledgeable of campus policies and resources
- Attend all scheduled advising appointments and follow-up on referrals.
- Reflect on your goals and education plans and be prepared to discuss them
- Create and update a long term plan
- Understand how to use the online tools
- Read your Augsburg email
- Accept responsibility for making your own decisions based on the available information and advice