Academic Advising

The Academic Resource Center
1810 Liacouras Walk, Suite 101
215-204-2500
dus@temple.edu

Goal and Objectives

Students enrolled in University Studies use the advising services of the Academic Resource Center, an academic support program established in 1997 to meet the needs of deciding students. Any student at Temple, whether enrolled in University Studies or not, is welcome and encouraged to use the services of the Academic Resource Center.

Academic advisors are important sources of information on University policies and procedures, the General Education curriculum (GenEd) requirements, and degree programs. While students must assume primary responsibility for knowing the requirements for their degree and for acquiring information about their academic status, academic advisors are a valuable resource. Advisors introduce students to the various sources of information available on academic programs, enabling students to be well-informed partners in their own education.

At the Academic Resource Center, a staff of professional and peer advisors works closely with students from the time they arrive at Temple through their successful transitions into schools/colleges and declared majors. Advisors meet with students on walk-in and appointment bases in both individual and group advising sessions.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet regularly with academic advisors to discuss academic plans, course selection, and registration. Students not eligible for online registration are required to see an advisor for course selection and registration.

Academic advisors attempt to avoid errors when advising students about their program requirements, but schools and colleges cannot assume liability for errors in advising. Therefore, students must assume primary responsibility for knowing the requirements for their degree and for acquiring current information about their academic status.

Services Provided through the Advising Office:

• Individualized advising geared towards helping students declare majors and complete the intra-university transfer process (transferring from one Temple school/college to another)
• Making Major Decisions, a self-directed Blackboard course focused on major exploration and decision making
• The Major Exploration Academy, a four-step, non-credit program in which a dedicated academic advisor helps guide students toward selecting a major through self-reflection activities, the completion of major and career worksheets, and investigating career options
• University Seminar 1002: First Year Seminar II, a one-credit course designed to help undeclared students explore possible career and major paths at Temple
• Workshops on academic planning and choosing a major
• Assistance with accessing online information regarding Temple schools/colleges and majors

Special Advising Policies and Procedures

Enrollment in the Division of University Studies: Beginning fall 2002 and after, undergraduates matriculated in the Division of University Studies as undeclared majors and who entered University Studies as either freshmen, transfer students, or intra-university transfers from another Temple school or college prior to the completion of 45 credits, can remain in University Studies up to the completion of 60 credits. Students entering University Studies having completed between 45-59 credits can remain in University Studies up to two academic-year semesters if enrolled full-time or until completion of 60 credits if attending part-time.

University Studies students can declare majors throughout the year in accordance with the declaration of major standards set forth by the individual schools and colleges and the intra-university transfer guidelines established by the University. University Studies students can also request a change in status from undecided to an academic program within a college during their New Student Orientation visit.

Note: University Studies students must meet the University's minimum standard for academic progress to remain enrolled in the Division of University Studies.