Honors advisors are dedicated to working with high-achieving students committed to participating in a community of scholars. They provide individualized as well as group advisement designed to help students make the most out of their Honors College experience so that they can achieve their personal, academic, and professional goals. Honors Advisors assist students with GE, Honors requirements, and graduation requirements; and they connect students with a strong network of partners in and beyond the University, and provide students with the information they need to make proactive and informed academic choices.

HONORS ADVISEMENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

I. KNOWLEDGE

Students will learn to:

1. Understand GE and graduation requirements at Cal State L.A.
2. Understand Honors College specific requirements, including GE, Honors thesis, community engagement and extra-curricular
3. Connect with available resources in major department, staff and faculty
4. Understand how to take advantage of the college experience to prepare for graduate school and career development.

II. SKILLS

Students will learn to:

1. Effectively utilize GET for class registration, verify and accept financial aid awards, review unofficial transcripts, check for holds and pending "to do list" items, and update personal information.
2. Utilize campus resources and services to enhance educational and personal success.
3. Understand the importance of time-management, effective study, active listening, mindfulness, and self-efficacy in achieving personal, academic, and professional goals.
4. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and with civility with peers, faculty, and staff to achieve personal, academic, and professional goals at the University.

III. COGNITION

Students will learn to:

1. Identify themselves as Honors scholars and future professionals preparing to effectively participate in political and civic processes and to make socially responsible decisions.
2. Identify appropriate faculty mentors and theses advisors in their major departments
3. Conduct effective self-assessments, learn to build on strengths

Responsibilities of Honors Students:

1. Review and understand Honors College requirements (posted in University catalog) and what it means to be in good standing in the Honors College
2. Meet with an advisor every semester during freshman year, and at least once a year thereafter; to schedule an appointment, use Moodle and/or reply to request from advisor to schedule an appointment. Please show up to your advisement appointment on time and prepared.
3. Prepare a list of questions, as well as a roadmap, to bring with you to each advisement session.
4. Familiarize yourself with the Cal State LA catalog; carefully read and understand those sections pertaining to your major(s), minor(s), and certificate programs.
5. To observe academic deadlines. Don't miss deadlines. Know when to register and when to drop or add classes. Set up appointments with your advisor well in advance of these deadlines.
6. To inform your advisor and department immediately whenever a serious problem (medical, financial, personal) disrupts your ability to attend classes or interferes with your ability to focus on your education and to perform your best work.
7. Declare major and an option within the major no later than 45 units; meet with major advisor immediately upon declaring a major.
8. Complete GE requirements before completing first 90 semester units.
9. For students considering changing a major, or declaring a second majors or a minor, be aware that the new (or second major) will need to be completed in no more than 120% of the units required for the students current baccalaureate degree, counting only degree eligible units.
10. Check GET regularly to make sure that all information is current (address, phone, credits transferred, etc…)
11. Keep and review advisement records (roadmaps, CAAR, etc.)
12. Maintain a 3.3 GPA while enrolled in the Honors College.
13. Strive to graduate in four years and take 30 semester units or more units per academic year; take a minimum of 12 units every semester.
14. Complete the yearly community service requirement.

Responsibilities of Honors Advisors:

1. Provide Information about Admission Requirements, AP/IB scores, and transfer credits
2. Provide information about GE, Honors, and graduation requirements
3. Provide students with information about campus resources; and connect them directly to other advisors or resources when possible.
4. Provide information regarding Honors College, Early Entrance Program, and University requirements, policies & procedures
5. Provide information about university policies and procedures, including information about semester enrollment phases, deadlines, and procedures
6. Assist students in developing a personalized plan (roadmap) for meeting Honors College and General Education requirements that are consistent with their declared major and for achieving personal, academic, co-curricular, and civic engagement goals
7. Assist students selecting courses that will help them achieve their goals and graduate in a timely manner
8. Connect students with major faculty advisors-advisement in the major
9. Maintain accurate and complete advisement records; communicate with students and other advisors via Advisor Notes, email, and/or phone calls to ensure academic support across campus
10. Help the students reflect on their academic performance and develop strategies for academic success
11. To discuss expectations of undergraduate, graduate programs, and professional programs students would like to pursue and connect students with academic resources to better prepare them.
12. Assist students and provide referrals for 1) individualized writing needs for personal statements and resumes; 2) letters of recommendation; 3) graduate school applications; and 4) entrance exams (GRE, LSAT, MCAT, etc.) for graduate and professional schools
13. Maintain accurate and complete advising records.