Academic
advising is central to the education of every Berea College student.
The relationship between the academic adviser and the student is
the foundation of the advising process at Berea. In this process,
the adviser assists the student in reviewing, selecting, and reaching
his/her educational objectives in a helpful, professional, and
mutually respectful atmosphere that allows students to:
Become well informed about policies and procedures, curricula
options, and academic program requirements -
Define their educational
objectives
-
Plan programs that incorporate their interests,
abilities, and career goals
-
Make full use of the resources
available at Berea College. Upon matriculation at Berea,
each student is assigned an
academic adviser with whom he or she will work until
a major is declared.
Once a major is declared, which usually occurs during
the fourth term, the student will begin to work with
an adviser in the
chosen discipline.
Registration and Orientation Workshops (ROWs)
New students are introduced to their advisers at a mandatory
Registration and Orientation Workshop, or ROW, during which
they have an opportunity to become acquainted with the College,
indicate their preference of classes, meet some of their classmates,
and learn about residence life and the labor program. Students
are invited to spend the night in the residence halls, and
their families may join them on campus for information sessions
and social events.
There are three ROWs during the summer, plus a
Fall ROW in August for those students who are unable to attend
summer ROW sessions. (International Students have orientation
in late August.) Each student is expected to attend a ROW,
which is scheduled through the Office of Academic Services once
a student has been accepted for enrollment. Informal visits to
campus are welcome at any time.
Testing
As part of the Orientation Program, the Office of Academic
Services administers mathematics placement examinations to all
entering
students, and schedules foreign language proficiency interviews
for new students who plan to pursue foreign language study at
Berea College.
The office also oversees the awarding of credit through the
CEEB Advanced Placement Examination and College-Level Examination
Program, as well as the Advanced Standing Examination program
administered by Berea College faculty. Questions regarding academic
testing may be directed to Linda Avery, Coordinator of Academic
Transitions.
To assist students in their pursuit of graduate study, the office
maintains current application booklets for national testing programs
such as the GRE and LSAT examinations.
Early Intervention Program
Student progress may be monitored through the Early Intervention Program, a program that seeks to identify students who are experiencing academic, labor, or other difficulties. Curtis Sandberg, the Director of Academic Services, coordinates the Early Intervention Program. In cases where Berea College becomes aware of student difficulty, the adviser and/or Early Intervention Program coordinator may initiate contact with the student. The program coordinator works closely with College faculty, academic advisers, labor supervisors, Residential Life professionals, and many others on campus to ensure that students receive the full benefit of campus resources and remain on track to personal and academic success.
Departure from Campus
Students may depart campus for a number
of reasons: graduation, leave of absence, withdrawal, etc. To
ensure that all business
is completed prior to departure, students must process a clearance
card, which requires them to secure signatures from certain individuals
and departments on campus. Individuals who are departing campus
may obtain a clearance card from the Student Service Center,
First Floor Lincoln Hall. Graduate clearance cards are placed
in Hutchins Library near the end of Fall and Spring Terms.
Students who intend to discontinue enrollment at Berea College
prior to graduation should discuss their plans with their academic
adviser, and then report to the Student Service Center to begin
the withdrawal process.
NOTE: Any student-initiated withdrawal
should be considered carefully with respect to the loss of
financial aid and potential repayment requirements. Withdrawn
students
also must reapply for admission to the college. However, readmission
has become a very competitive process and successful applicants
for readmission almost always leave Berea in good academic
standing.
Referrals
The Office of Academic Services also works with these
and other campus organizations to provide appropriate referrals
for a variety
of services:
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