Academic Advising

A&M-Texarkana's Academic Advising Mission Statement

Academic advising works in partnership with faculty to support the transition, integration, and advisement of all undergraduate students at Texas A&M University-Texarkana. Academic advisors empower students to take ownership of their educational experiences by fostering an environment of mutual responsibility and collaborating with students on personalized success plans.

Advising Goals

  • Fosters an environment based on mutual responsibility between student and advisor
  • Services as a developmental process
  • Advises on the selection of appropriate courses towards degree completion
  • Evaluates and monitors student academic progress
  • Is based on theories and knowledge of teaching, learning, and identity development
  • Reinforces student self-direction and self-sufficiency

Please visit the Academic Advising website for additional information.

Student Responsibilities

Students are responsible for being active participants in the advising process by:

  • Scheduling and adhering to at least one advising appointment each semester with their faculty or academic advisor.
  • Arriving prepared to each advising session to discuss academic goals, take notes, and to discuss any issues.
  • Accessing and understanding their online degree plan audit to monitor degree progress and select courses appropriate to their overall degree completion.
  • Monitoring their academic progress each semester.
  • Consulting with their faculty and academic advisor when circumstances could impact academic performance (e.g. illness, family situation, work schedule, or other emergencies)
  • Checking their university ACE mail account daily for any official university communications.
  • Maintaining current contact information with the university.

Advisor Responsibilities

The advising process is designed to assist students in making responsible academic and career choices; setting and fulfilling their educational goals; growing intellectually and emotionally; and increasing their critical thinking and decision-making skills. Academic Advisors are responsible for:

  • Maintaining accessibility and regular contact with students through face-to-face appointments, email, phone, or video conferencing.
  • Understanding and effectively communicating the curriculum, graduation requirements, and university policies and procedures.
  • Instructing students on how to access and utilize their online degree plan audit. 
  • Encouraging self-reliance and supporting students as they develop lifelong learning skills and attainable educational goals.
  • Providing students with information about the available resources and services on campus: Success Center, Testing Center, Library, etc.
  • Guiding students towards an appreciation of the learning process and higher education.
  • Helping students become more responsible and accountable by honestly reflecting on their successes and limitations.
  • Maintaining confidentiality.
  • Encouraging students to work closely with their professors to discuss academic progress.

Early Alert/Intervention

Adjusting to the atmosphere in higher education can be challenging for some students.  Students may encounter various challenges during their college career that could prevent their academic success.  In an effort to strengthen and improve student success, the Academic Advising Center utilizes Eagle CONNECT, an early alert and retention program. 

This early alert warning tool allows faculty to identify students who are having difficulties meeting academic standards and refer them to their academic advisor for support and to aid in the student's success.  Faculty may also provide positive feedback for a student's academic performance. 

Once a student is referred, academic advisors follow up with targeted outreach and relevant interventions. Identifying at-risk students early enough to make a difference is critical to student success.

Early Alert areas

  • excessive absences
  • low exam grades
  • in danger of failing
  • positive feedback, etc

Eagle CONNECT provides a quick and easy way to assist students early enough in the semester to make a difference.  While nothing substitutes direct discussions between students and instructors concerning their academic performance (e.g. after class or during office hours), Eagle CONNECT is a valuable resource in the event additional academic assistance is needed. 

Probationary Students

Students placed on academic probation are monitored throughout the semester by academic advising and placed on a Plan for Academic Students Success (PASS).  Students on probation are expected to attend regular advising sessions during the semester and to develop their PASS. Academic Advisors can connect students on probation with the appropriate learning support services on campus and additional resources for managing their plan for success. 

Please review the Academic Probation and Suspension Policy in this catalog for additional information.