Integrated Advising is a vital part of the educational mission at Hendrix College. Although student are ultimately responsible for their academic journey to graduation, they undertake that journey with the support of a dedicated Integrated Advising Team.
Integrated Advising Teams guide students in making informed decisions about their academic paths and long-term goals through a process that encourages intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and personal and professional development. From the first year through graduation, students work with their teams to connect their academic interests, talents, and needs with post-graduate aspirations – whether graduate school, employment, or other pursuits.
Each advisee’s Integrated Advising Team consists of at least of one academic advisor and one career counselor. Academic advisors are faculty members who counsel students on course selection, major exploration, and academic progress, while career counselors are staff members who support classroom success, vocational discernment, and career preparation. The work of this coordinated team is designed to support each student’s overall growth.
Integrated Advising Teams can be tailored to fit each student’s circumstances and may therefore include other members of the Hendrix community – including, but not limited to, pre-professional mentors and coaching staff – in a manner compatible with Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Initial Integrated Advising Teams are assigned prior to students’ arrival on campus. Once students declare a major or majors, their academic advisor will be in their field of study. To provide continuity, students may find it valuable to remain with the same career counselor for the duration of their enrollment.
Integrated Advising at Hendrix is coordinated through the Office of Advising and Academic Success, which also supports advisor development (in conjunction with the Director of Faculty Development) and provides resources for students in need of academic support.