Students are responsible for planning their education. Advisors assist students, provide information, and recommend steps towards completing a degree. Advisors make sure students have a thorough understanding of the majors and coursework available to them, and Degree Planning workshops give students a chance to work on a long-range plan for their coursework.
Ultimately, it is the student’s responsibility to use these resources to make decisions and set educational goals.
Here are goals and responsibilities for students at different stages of their college career:
First-Year Students
In their first year, students should become familiar with Old Westbury’s Liberal Education requirements that include the requirements for proficiency in Math and Writing, and SUNY General Education requirements. While students do not need to choose a major in the first year, they should be aware of the majors offered by Old Westbury and give some thought to which one they may pursue. In addition to individual sessions with academic advisors, first-year students will attend a Degree Planning Workshop to help them understand the coursework required to complete a degree.
Sophomores
Students are responsible for choosing and declaring a major during their second year. If a student has not declared a major after completing 42 credits, a Declaration of Major Hold will prevent them from registering for classes. Majors typically have introductory courses that must be completed before moving on to upper-division courses. In some majors, there are courses that must be taken in sequence. Sophomore students need to become familiar with their major’s requirements- the Academic Planning Center is available to provide information and answer questions.
Upper Division Students
Once students have begun their junior year, they need to work with a faculty mentor in their major department and with academic advisors who partner with the academic departments.
Faculty mentors will help students explore research and internship opportunities, career pathways, preparation for graduate or professional study, and other major-specific guidance.
Professional academic advisors, working in partnership with academic departments, will provide guidance on degree requirements, course planning, registration, and progress toward graduation.
Taking an active role in these relationships will help students make informed decisions and successfully achieve their academic and professional goals.
Students are expected to be at the mastery level in using Degree Audit at this stage.
Transfer Students
Prior to starting at Old Westbury, New Transfer students will meet with an academic advisor during the onboarding/orientation process. Coursework from other institutions is evaluated by the Transfer Services office. Once accepted to attend Old Westbury, new transfer students must register for an orientation session to schedule an advising appointment. An Academic Advisor will explain how the coursework was evaluated. After being advised, transfer students should understand which Liberal Education requirements and major requirements have been met by previous coursework.
Academic Planning Involves Collaboration!
At all stages of a student’s college career, academic planning/advising is a collaborative process between the student and the advisor. Students who prepare for advising sessions by reviewing their degree requirements and checking which courses are available tend to gain more from the experience than those who expect to be “given” classes. The more students actively participate in the academic planning/advising process, the more satisfied they will be with their education.