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About Us

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, Diedre 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.

Meet the Staff

Academic advising curriculum

ACADEMIC ADVISING LEARNING OUTCOMES

Understand the expectations of a successful college student

  • Utilizing support and resources (Tutoring, CLASS (Learning Disabilities), Center for Wellness and Counseling, etc.)
  • Making academic progress (32 credits completed per year and 2.5 GPA)
  • Major discernment
  • Academic Goals – long and short term

Assist new students to navigate the culture of higher education

  • Preparing for courses with books, syllabi, and technology
  • Connecting students to financial services
  • Reviewing academic calendar deadlines
  • Academic success (SAP)

Engage and use appropriate tools to complete comprehensive academic planning

  • Making academic progress (32 credits and 2.5 GPA)
  • Term registration planning
  • Using Records & Registration,  the Registrar Office and Academic Advising website
  • Complete ENL 111 Effective Writing and Developmental Coursework in 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
  • Maintain confidentiality
  • Refer you to campus resources

Advisors expect the student to:

  • Become knowledgeable of campus policies and resources
  • Attend all scheduled advising appointments & 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

Faculty Mentors

Faculty mentors are full time members of academic departments who have been at the university at least a full year and have been trained by the Academic Advising team on advising Augsburg students. Faculty mentors usually work with 20–25 mentees majoring in the department. In addition to advising within the major, faculty mentors are trained to advise on General Education requirements to ensure a balanced schedule. Students who are double majoring will have a faculty mentor in each department they are majoring in. Students are encouraged to check in with their faculty mentor(s) each semester to make sure they are staying on track within their major(s).

FAQs

Where can I find out who my Academic Advisor and/or Faculty Mentor(s) is?

You can view your Academic Advisor and Faculty Mentor(s) in two locations:

  1. Inside Augsburg → Records, Registration and Finances → right side of the “Dashboard” page under “Student Info”
  2. Navigate → under “My Success Team”

How often do I need to meet with my Academic Advisor or Faculty Mentor(s)?

Students are required to check in with their Academic Advisors (first-year students & undecided majors) or Faculty Mentor (sophomores, juniors and seniors) at least once a semester. Each semester, all students will have a hold on their account that will prevent registration until they meet with their Academic Advisor (first-year students & undecided majors) or Faculty Mentor (sophomores, juniors and seniors).

How do I schedule an appointment with my Academic Advisor and/or Faculty Mentor(s)?

Visit Navigate and follow the steps to schedule an appointment with the appropriate person/department.

What are some ways my Academic Advisor and/or Faculty Mentor can support me?

  • Academic planning (graduation advising, long term planning, registration planning)
  • Connecting with resources on campus (academic skills, tutoring, counseling, etc)
  • Navigating university policies and procedures

Do I need a faculty mentor for a minor?

No, students can work with the Department Chair for any questions regarding minors.

How do I switch my faculty mentor?

If you would like to request a different faculty mentor within the department, you can fill out the Change of Mentor form or email advising@augsburg.edu with your new faculty mentor copied on the message.