Academic Advising

Students enrolled in the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts are assigned an Advising Services Coordinator through their department to assist them in planning and following a given educational program of study. An Coordinator’s assistance is invaluable in helping students define a given program of study or career goal. Students in graduate programs in the College are also required to utilize their Coordinator as assigned in progress towards completion of their educational program. The Coordinator’s signature is required on all registration cards, change of program forms and related academic forms.

• All major/minor students are advised by the appropriate Advising Services Coordinator.
• Students are required to plan programs, register for courses and discuss their career goals with their Advising Services Coordinator who may provide further counseling, if necessary.
• A student may withdraw from a course up to 12 weeks (Fall and Spring semesters only, as Summer deadlines are generally the first day of classes for the session) after the first day of instruction and receive a grade of “W” (withdrawal) that has no grade point value. Withdrawals processed by the deadline date for course ADDS are treated as course DROPS. Withdrawals AFTER the Change of Program deadline are processed with the “W” grade.
• It is the responsibility of the student to make regular appointments (at least 3) with their Advising Services Coordinator each semester for the purposes of pre-registration advisement and updating of all Departmental academic forms.
• Students experiencing classroom difficulties are advised to seek resolution with the instructor of the class.  If the student cannot resolve their problem on that level they should request a conference with the Chair of the Department.
• Transfer students are advised by the Advising Services Coordinator. Eligible transfer credits must be from an accredited institution and in courses for which the student made a “C” or better. Note that only the credits transfer in, not the grades. All courses taken at other institutions are not automatically eligible or accepted. Course Credit can only be transferred in if Howard University offers a course with similar content as that taken at another institution. Also, some courses may be contingent upon level of coursework reflective of the Program in the respective Department. In those incidences, the student will only receive credit up to the level that the evaluators indicate. Be advised that transfer students may have to extend their time at Howard University in order to take the required courses in the proper sequence.

You are urged to contact your advisor on any matters related to your educational progress. You are responsible for helping your advisor help you by sharing essential information about your academic progress, strengths, weaknesses, interests, and goals. All students must report to their advisor prior to every General Registration period. Ideally, students should see their advisors at least three times per semester, at the beginning, near the midterm, and at the conclusion of the semester.

All advisory sessions should be documented. Students should seek out advising assistance any time they are experiencing a problem or have outstanding issues. Students are discouraged from registering for courses without consultation and advising approval by their academic program.

Students have a right to expect their advisor to:

• Have posted reasonable office hours of availability throughout the academic semester
• Maintain appointments with students on a timely basis
• Be knowledgeable about educational program requirements, curriculum, and professional and career opportunities within their field of expertise
• Be knowledgeable about academic requirements, institutional policies and procedures to ensure academic success
• Seek information they do not know or refer you to the appropriate campus resources as needed

Students have a responsibility to:

• Read and understand the academic policies and procedures contained in official Howard University publications and on its official website
• Consult with their Advising Services Coordinator during registration periods for course scheduling and any program modification
• Inform their Advising Services Coordinator of any academic difficulties, program or career changes
• Maintain scheduled appointments with their Advising Services Coordinator and be prepared for advisement sessions with any supporting documentation or materials which could assist the advisor

Provide Advising Services Coordinator with feedback and follow through on advisor recommendations as needed.