At The Art Institute of California-San Diego, Academic Advisors are part of a collective effort to help students complete their chosen degrees by monitoring academic progress and engaging in active outreach efforts. Academic advising is an educational process that, by intention and design, facilitates students’ understanding of the meaning and purpose of higher education and fosters their intellectual and personal development toward academic success and lifelong learning (National Academic Advising Association, 2004). In the advising process, we encourage students to take ownership of their choices and academic record. We realize that like parents, we walk a fine line between involvement and hand holding. Too much involvement can diminish the cognitive learning experience of taking ownership for adult decisions, a critical component of student development.  Parents can help in this process by keeping the lines of communication open, asking their child questions about college life, and directing their child to be proactive with deadlines and responsibilities.

The mission of the Academic Advising department at The Art Institute of California-San Diego is to champion a culture of academic excellence and achievement by providing quality service to creative and culinary arts students through resources that engage students in rich learning and developmental opportunities.  Academic Advisors empower and encourage students to develop critical and analytical learning abilities, building a sense of student responsibility to a meaningful and lifelong educational plan.

Advisor Responsibilities
Students at The Art Institute of California-San Diego can expect Academic Advisors to:

• Understand and effectively communicate program requirements and campus policies and procedures
• Listen to and respect student academic concerns
• Provide guidance and direction to develop realistic academic goals
• Make recommendations for class registration and student academic plans
• Provide students with information about educational opportunities
• Guide students to appropriate campus resources
• Motivate students to take responsibility for your own academic and career goals
• Monitor and track student academic progress
• Work with students to assess your academic performance and areas of strength
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to FERPA regulations at all times

Advisee Responsibilities
Students receiving advising at The Art Institute of California-San Diego are expected to:

• Keep appointments and maintain regular contact with Academic Advisors
• Take an active role in the advising process by being prepared for sessions
• Come to advising sessions with proper materials such as a degree audit and matrix
• Establish and follow the academic plan
• Ask questions to better understand student goals and educational plans
• Be open and willing to consider advice from faculty, advisors, and other mentors
• Follow through with assignments and take immediate action as recommended
• Keep student  documents and materials organized and readily accessible
• Read the catalog and student handbook
• Use campus resources
• Attend and participate in class
• Get involved with campus and community events
• Take responsibility for student decisions
• Know the SAP Policy and expectations for academic success