Sep 08, 2025

News/Notes for Undergraduate Academic Advisors: Academic Dates to Note | Directory of Referral Resources/Tips for Making Effective Referrals | The Learning Center @ Rod Library | Faculty Guide to Study Abroad

Academic Dates to Note
  • See details and academic and schedule adjustment deadlines at the Office of the Registrar Calendar Dates to Observe.
  • Today (Monday, September 8, 2025)
    • Tuition & fees for semester based on load (4:30pm)
    • Full Semester: Last day to add a course for credit (Student Request required to add course after this date)
    • Full Semester: Last day to change to or from Audit
    • Full Semester: Last day to drop a course with No Report
      • The Drop Form is used for dropping courses once the term has begun and can be submitted in person (with a photo ID) or via email.
      • A completed form (with signatures if required) sent to registrar@uni.edu must be from the student's UNI email.
        • All forms received from a personal (non-UNI) email will not be accepted.
Directory of Referral Resources/Tips for Making Effective Referrals
  • The Directory of Referral Resources serves as a guide for faculty and staff to refer undergraduate students to the appropriate individuals and offices related to academic programs and student success.
    • The Academic Program Area identifies individuals to contact within academic program areas based on majors, minors, certificates, areas of focus, or research specializations.
    • The Student Services Enhanced Guide offers comprehensive details about student success offices, including the services provided, types of students to refer, and the best ways to connect a student.
  • Tips for Making Effective Referrals [Adapted from How to Make Effective Referrals: A Three Step Process in the NACADA Clearinghouse]
    • Try to put yourself in the students' shoes and communicate understanding
      • Involves  listening, understanding and then communicating your understanding back to the students
    • Think what resources are available to help with this issue and normalize the service
      • Taking the time to identify the individual resources that can assist students in working through their current struggles
      • This means having available the names and telephone numbers of known professionals…or knowing where you can find this information
      • Help students understand that their struggles are often a normal part of personal development and maturity - and their challenges are common enough that the university has developed resources designed to assist them
    • Transition from advising to other resources
      • It moves students from the advisor to other specific resources
      • Provide a specific name of an individual as the referral…and if necessary give the individual a call when the student is with you
      • Advisors must remember that the goal of referral is not to pressure students, but rather to educate and inform them of their options
The Learning Center@Rod Library
  • The Learning Center @ Rod Library (TLC) hours for the Fall 2025 semester are Monday - Thursday, 10 AM - 10 PM & NOW OPEN SUNDAYS, 5-8 PM!
    • Students are welcome to drop in during our open hours, no appointment needed. We also encourage students to use the space for studying.
  • In Person Services
    • Tutoring: We provide tutoring in Math/Statistics and Science (at the 1000-2000 level), Business Core and Writing as well as specialty areas of Computer Science, Communication Science and Disorders, Spanish and Nursing. If you're working with a student who needs help in an area we don't typically staff, please let me know and I'll work to identify a tutor for the student.
    • Academic Coaches: All of our peer educators are trained to help students with topics like time management, general study skills, test anxiety, note taking and reading strategies.
  • Online Tutoring
    • 24/7 Online tutoring is available to students through eLearning. Students should contact thelearningcenter@uni.edu with questions about using this option.
Faculty Guide to Study Abroad
  • Download the Fall 2025 Faculty Guide to Study Abroad - a short guide for faculty and administrators on current trends, student outcomes, and ways to support or lead programs.
  • Reminder: Have your students attend the Study Abroad Fair on September 10, 2025 from 11:00a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Maucker Union Ballrooms.
Is Your Student Questioning their Current Major?
  • Help them Pivot with Purpose by referring them to the Office of Academic Advising. Advisors offer personalized support to help students explore:
    • Major, minor, and certificate options | Reasons for changing majors (e.g., lack of interest, career goals, academic challenges) | Self-assessments like FOCUS 2 or Strong Inventory | Goal-setting and decision-making strategies
  • Encourage students to schedule an appointment or complete the Academic Discuss Your Major Options Request Form.
  • As a faculty or staff member, you can complete this referral form to start the outreach to a student considering changing their major.
Institutional Academic Advising Vision & Mission Statement (revised Spring 2016) [See Academic Advising Mission, Vision, Goals & Outcomes webpage]
  • Vision Statement: UNI aspires to create the best possible advising experience for each student.
  • Mission Statement: Academic Advising is a critical component of the teaching and learning environment at UNI. Advising is a personalized educational experience, empowering students to explore, articulate and achieve their academic, career and life goals.