What's the difference between an academic guide, academic advisor, and college life coach?
Great question!
Academic Guides empower students to achieve their academic goals by proactively partnering with them to identify potential challenges and develop personalized success plans. This involves connecting them with relevant FSU resources and support services, providing clear guidance on FSU policies, and collaborating with FSU offices to ensure comprehensive support and advocacy for their success.
Academic Advisors offer comprehensive academic advising, proactively and responsively supporting students throughout their academic careers. This includes assisting with course selection, registration, major exploration, and navigating degree requirements, while also interpreting FSU policies for students and families, and actively representing our assigned department or college.
College Life Coaches help students integrate their academic, personal, and career goals. This means coaching them in defining their aspirations, building essential life skills for success in college and beyond, and connecting them with FSU involvement opportunities and campus resources.
How was I selected for this program?
The Advising First Center for Academic Guidance (CAG) is a data-driven initiative that looks directly at student progress and identifies those who could benefit from early intervention and an additional layer of support. This represents our commitment to all students and a recognition that some may go through a period where they can benefit greatly from the expertise of an academic guide.
How can I schedule a meeting with my academic guide?
You can always book through Campus Connect. Just log in, go to "Special Programs," pick "Center for Academic Guidance," and then click "Academic Guidance Meeting." Plus, keep an eye on your email or texts, as your guide will send you a direct scheduling link you can use!
What will we talk about?
We're here to offer individualized support tailored to your unique needs. During your first meeting, your guide will ask about any academic or personal challenges, familiar campus resources, your study strategies, and your confidence in your major. We'll then provide tailored recommendations, with follow-up meetings to continue the conversation and ensure you're on the right track.
How often do we meet?
The frequency of our meetings is up to you! Some students connect with us weekly, others every two weeks, and some just once a month. Each meeting typically lasts 45 minutes, and we can schedule them as often as you need.
Where are the individual meetings?
The Advising First Center for Academic Guidance is located on the 6th floor of the University Center, C Building – just above the Testing Center. We are also happy to meet via Zoom.
What happens if I can't make my individual meeting?
We totally get that life happens! If you can't make a scheduled meeting, please let your guide know as soon as you can so you can reschedule. Our guides support
around 100 students, so it's super helpful if you're proactive when you need to cancel or reschedule.
Is this program mandatory?
While academic guidance isn't mandatory for most students, our data clearly shows that students who meet with their guide are significantly more successful at FSU than those who don't.
Will my guide keep what we talk about private?
It's important to know that guides are "responsible employees" at FSU, which means they are required to report any instances of sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination. However, please be assured that your guide is committed to your trust and safety and will only share other information with your explicit written consent.
Are academic guides available for everyone to meet with?
At this time, the Center for Academic Guidance is working exclusively with students participating in our program. However, if you're looking for other campus resources, please don't hesitate to email us at academicguidance@fsu.edu, and we'll gladly help you get connected.