Academic Advising Handbook

I. Backbone and Rationale of Academic Advising Services

Center for Engineering Education Innovation (E2I), SENG, shares a vision of developing students to reach their full potential through academic advising, which forms the rationale and goals of our Academic Advising Services provided to students admitted under the School-based Admission (SBA) Scheme. In particular, we would like to help our students become active and self-regulated learners so that they can benefit the most from their university experience. Active learning can be identified by four distinctive features: a) a search for meaning and understanding through discussion of the relevant issues with advisors and reflection process; b) greater student responsibility for learning which is critical for active and selfregulated learning; c) authentic development of knowledge, skills, and attitudes through curricular and co-curricular learning; and d) a learning disposition and approach which looks beyond academic and graduation to a much wider developmental and social setting.

SBA Students

Engineering Faculty Advisors

Professional Advisors

Peer Mentors
Peer advising

Head Mentors

Staff advising

Collaboration with academic departments via a network of UG Program Coordinators Training and administrative support

E2I

II.

What is Academic Advising?

Academic Advising is much boarder than merely helping students survive, choose the right courses, decide on a major, or do better in their academic subjects. Rather, it is a walk-with-you journey by one or a few dedicated, caring, qualified and mature mentor(s) at one or more points of their university life. Academic Advising comprises, but not limited to, academic and professional advising, peer mentoring and peer tutoring to facilitate students success. Our Academic Advisors work to strengthen the potential, unique nature, importance and dignity of each individual within the academic setting. We believe and adopt a holistic approach in which academic advisors serve as facilitators and mentors who effectively use their professional, specialized knowledge and life experience to promote the learning and development of students. Our Center assists students with:

General First Year and Undeclared Academic Advising Course Registration Information Academic and Personal Support Selecting an Engineering Degree Program Exploring Career Fields Intended Learning Outcomes for Students Able to achieve self-understanding and strengthen self-identity Able to set goals and make plans for academic and personal development Able to take initiatives to join co- and extra-curricular activities and make full use of resources available for self-development Able to reflect on their learning experiences critically and identify the resulting learning points Able to consolidate their learning experiences and further develop their strengths and competencies for future academic and career aspiration and development

III.

IV.

What an Academic Advisor Could Do for You

Academic Matters: Advise you on the selection of appropriate courses and other educational experiences and facets of personal development Assist you to understand the educational context within which you are enrolled Provide you with information and resources Personal Development: Discuss with you your educational, career and life goals

Engage you in problem solving and decision making Help you in assessing your interests and abilities, examining your educational goals, and developing short-term and long-term plans to meet your objectives Motivate you to work harder and achieve your goals Reinforce your self-direction and self-sufficiency through helping you monitor your own progress

A Supportive Friend: Become your adult/peer ally Being enthusiastic, supportive, available and respectful Care for your long term development Celebrate your success and recognize your self-determination Maintain a professional and friendly relationship with you Meet you on a regular basis

V.

Responsibilities of Students

Attitude: Being respectful, open and willing to learn Ready for developing and clarifying your personal values and goals Take responsibility for your decisions and actions Engagement: Monitor your progress, academic and personal Meet your advisor on a regular basis and prepare well for each meeting Learn to make your own decisions based on you best judgment and on the most reliable information and advice available Seek campus resources and services for assistance in meeting academic, personal and career goals

VI.

Structure and Implementation of Academic Advising Services supported by E2I

Our team comprises faculty, professional advisors and peer mentors who work together in a collaborative team to help you make both academic and non-academic decisions by giving accurate and objective information. We help you adapt in your transition to university life and study and encourage you to know yourself better in order to achieve your personal and professional goals.

Peer Advising by peer mentors and head mentors Our Head mentors:

Jackie Kwok MECH Year 3 lykwok@stu.ust.hk

Sally Li MECH Year 3 kmli@stu.ust.hk

Mak Wai Sum IELM Year 3 wsmak@stu.ust.hk

Ang Lee MECH Year 3 aleeaa@stu.ust.hk

Donald Lai CBPE Year 3 ytlai@stu.ust.hk

Simon Cheung CEEV Year 3 ylcheung@stu.ust.hk

Lawrence Yan CBPE Year 3 kqyan@stu.ust.hk

Daniel Ip CEEV Year 3 fnip@stu.ust.hk

*A peer mentoring program has been introduced to provide support and advice to engineering students admitted under the School-based Admission (SBA) Scheme. About 30 year-2 and 3 peer mentors (2011-2012 cohorts) together with eight head mentors have been recruited and trained.