The advising program of the Nursing School illustrates the success of an integrated network of services. Each student has a faculty advisor whose accurate and current logistical knowledge enables the advisor to assist students in planning their schedules. In addition, the advisor attempts to develop a personal relationship with the student which fosters the evolution of a mentoring process. A feedback system exists so that students dissatisfied with their advisor can be reassigned. Students thinking of entering dual degree programs or transferring out of the Nursing School meet with advisors specifically trained to handle special scheduling requests.
SNAP also provides a forum for peer advising.
Although the success of the Nursing School advising program is facilitated by the comparatively small student population and focused curriculum, it should serve as a model for the other schools. The advising infrastructure of the University would be bolstered by applying the advising constructs utilized in the Nursing School to the other schools' advising systems. On the most basic level, the logistical information offered by advisors must be current and accurate. With the proper information, an advisor can assist a student in establishing a satisfactory academic program. However, even with well-informed advisors, problems can arise.