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Advising FAQ

A student in my class is struggling with the material.  Beyond my assistance, what resources are available?

  • The MAX Center (Macalester Academic Excellence), located in Kagin Commons, provides personalized tutoring across the curriculum and at all skill levels.  In addition, they help students with study skills, time management, and maximizing their learning styles.  Referrals with a specific goal or task in mind are ideal.  Students with disabilities who have been granted extra time on tests may arrange to use the testing rooms in the MAX Center. macalester.edu/max/
  • Academic Programs and Advising: The Director of Academic Programs and Advising, located in Weyerhaeuser Hall, often meets with students experiencing academic difficulty.  She also convenes the Academic Standing Committee and is knowledgeable about academic standing policies and procedures. macalester.edu/academicprograms/
  • Office of Student Affairs: When you suspect there are non-academic issues affecting a student’s performance, the Office of Student Affairs (located in Weyerhaeuser Hall) is an excellent resource.  The office staff work closely with the psychologists in our Health and Wellness Center and can assist with making referrals. macalester.edu/studentaffairs/

A student in my class has decided to withdraw from the course.  What steps must he follow?
During the add/drop period students may remove courses from their schedules via 1600grand, our electronic registration system.  After the drop/add deadline (noted in the academic calendar on the Registrar’s website), students can withdraw from a class in 1600grand through the Last Day to Withdraw From a Class.  Additional registration guidance is available from the Registrar’s  website  at macalester.edu/registrar/faq/.

What steps must a student take in order to withdraw from college or take a leave of absence?
Students who wish to take a semester or two off from Macalester or withdraw permanently from the College need to complete paperwork with the Student Affairs’ Office, macalester.edu/studentaffairs/forms/.

The parent of a student in my course has contacted me about her performance.  What information, if any, am I allowed to share?  To whom should I refer such inquiries?
The Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act or FERPA, gives enrolled college students, regardless of their age, the right to decide who has access to their academic records.  This means faculty members and staff should not be sharing specific information about a student with individuals outside of the college community or with other students.  Students may sign a release of information that enables us to share information with named individuals, often parents; such releases are kept on file in the Registrar’s Office.  It is often best to forward inquiries from parents to the Director of Academic Programs and Advising, who can determine if a release is on file and decide how best to address the situation.  Additional information about FERPA is available in the Student Handbook or from the Registrar.

I suspect a student in my course has cheated on an exam/plagiarized a paper.  What steps should I follow?
The Director of Academic Programs and Advising manages the college’s Academic Integrity process and is available to consult with faculty about such issues.  Department chairs are also good resources.  Our policies and processes are described in full here, Academic Integrity.  In short, when a faculty member suspects a student of cheating or of plagiarizing, they should consult with the student about the suspected violation.  After this consultation, if the matter appears to be a violation, the faculty member is responsible for gathering the pertinent and necessary information and reporting the violation to the Director of Academic Programs and Advising.

A student in my course tells me he has a learning disability.  Should I provide an accommodation on that basis?
Disability Services coordinates services for students with disabilities.  Students should be registered with that office to receive accommodations.  However, it is fine to talk with students about their learning challenges and determine what types of strategies might be most effective in your course.  Faculty members are also welcome to contact Disability Services to discuss how to provide the best support.  Additional information can be found at Disability Services.

Where can I find the college’s graduation requirements?
The College Catalog, details all graduation requirements.  It is also the official source for major, minor and concentration requirements and includes the divisional designation for departmental offerings. Individual department webpages also have good information about majors, minors and course sequencing.  Students are able to track their own progress toward meeting graduation requirements via the DegreeWorks Audit on 1600grand. A student’s official academic advisor provides guidance on course selection in light of the student’s interests and long-term plans.

Where can I send a student who needs more career advice than I feel able to provide?
The Career Exploration office, located in Kagin Commons, offers various interest/skills/personality tests; counseling appointments; holds a major/minor fair each year; helps students connect career and major/minor/concentration interests; and assists with job search, resume writing, and interviewing.

Where can I send a student who is interested in applying for nationally competitive scholarships and fellowships?
There are many ways in which graduating seniors, and in some cases recent graduates, can fund graduate study, independent research and travel, and internships.  The opportunities managed by Academic Programs and Advising are highly competitive and typically require institutional nomination.  It is wise for interested students to first review the relevant websites and then make an appointment with the Director. The early fall deadlines for many competitions mean applications require time and attention over the summer. See student opportunities for senior and recent grads.

Where can I send a student to learn about internships? 
The Internship Program helps students find and receive credit for intentional, academically relevant learning experiences. They are located in Kagin Commons, along with the Career Exploration office.

Where can I send a student who is interested in connecting with local issues, community organizations and learning about the Twin Cities?
The Civic Engagement Center has extensive knowledge of opportunities and student leaders ready to help their peers become meaningfully involved.  In addition, the CEC professional staff can help faculty incorporate civic engagement into their courses.  They are located in Markim Hall. 

Where should students begin their exploration of study away options?
The International Center, located in Markim Hall, regularly offers study away information sessions and is the best place for students to begin their search.  All Education Abroad advisors are knowledgeable about study away policies, programs and timelines.  Once students have narrowed their options, they should talk with their academic advisors and the chairs of their intended major/minor departments.

I have a number of international students in my course.  Who can I talk with about how to best meet their needs?
International Student Programs, located in Kagin Commons, provides a wide-range of services for international students, including assistance with cross-cultural adjustment, immigration, and work in the U.S.  The ISP staff is happy to consult about the needs of international students.

I’m concerned about a student’s irregular attendance in my class.  Who should I contact?
The Office of Student Affairs, located in Weyerhaeuser Hall, helps with students in crisis. You should contact them when you have concerns about irregular attendance or other issues with a student’s behavior/performance. 

I have a question about submitting grades/granting a request for an incomplete/the academic calendar.  Who should I contact?

The Registrar’s Office, located in 77 Mac, handles everything regarding registration:  from developing the course schedule, to assigning rooms, to handling drops/adds/withdrawals, to processing grades. They are very knowledgeable about academic policies and procedures and a good first place to call with questions related to the administration of your course.