First Year Student Advisors and Major Advisors
Each new first year student who has declared a major field of study is assigned a major advisor. Major advisors assist their advisees in working out a complete program for their college career. Each year thereafter, this program is reviewed and modified if necessary. This advising assistance gives Midland students the benefits of a carefully planned academic program.
New first year students who have not declared a major field of study are assigned to a generalist advisor. These generalist advisors have given special care to knowing and understanding the total curriculum as it relates to the first year student. They also have made themselves familiar with the college catalog and the processes and procedures at Midland. New first year students without a declared major are assigned an advisor shortly after they have been accepted for admission and remain with this advisor, if the fit is right, until the spring of their first year student year. At that time, they choose a major advisor with whom they will have the opportunity to remain until graduation.
Advisors have access to the results of academic aptitude, reading skill and comprehension, English composition and other achievement tests for use in helping their advisees plan their educational program. Pertinent information from the advisee’s high school record is also available.
The advisor receives grade reports for his/her advisees and is available to discuss these with them. Advisors, at their discretion, may consult with the advisee’s instructors, the college pastor, the nurse, the directors of housing, the Office of the Registrar, the Dean of the College, or the Vice President of Student Development to provide greater help.
Advisors do their utmost to assist their advisees, but the ultimate responsibility for understanding and meeting academic policies and degree requirements rests with the student.