The role of the Council on Undergraduate Academic Advising (CUAA) is to develop, review, discuss, and recommend to senior administration on an ongoing basis any and all advising-related strategies, policies, and processes.

The CUAA is responsible for managing and directing academic advising policies at the university. The CUAA reports to, and is chaired by the Associate Vice-President (Academic). Membership includes broad representation from stakeholders across the university community including, but not limited to: program counsellors, faculty advisors, Office of Registrarial Services, Coordinator of Undergraduate Curriculum, deans, chairs, Student Affairs, Open Learning and Educational Support/ SCOL, undergraduate students, Centre for International Programs, and the Coordinator of the Undergraduate Academic Information Centre. The Council normally meets once per semester.

The CUAA develops strategic directions and formulates policy on advising issues, coordinates planning around academic advising issues, and serves as a permanent communication channel to help coordinate the work of the various individuals and entities engaged in academic advising activities.

Most undergraduate degree programs have a faculty advisor for each of their specializations. A contact list for current faculty advisors is available on the Undergraduate Academic Information Centre website at http://www.uoguelph.ca/uaic/facultyadvisors.

All undergraduate degree programs have a program counsellor. A contact list for current program counsellors is available on the Undergraduate Academic Information Centre website at http://www.uoguelph.ca/uaic/programcounsellors.

The Program Counsellor has particular expertise in the degree program requirements and regulations, as well as the various specializations and their fit within the degree program. The Program Counsellor is also familiar with the policies and procedures that govern university practice. The role of the program counsellor is to:

• provide information about the academic requirements of the degree program, including admission requirements, Schedule of Studies requirements, Continuation of Study requirements, and graduation requirements

• refer to other campus services, as necessary

• communicate information about the degree program to the dean, chairs and directors, faculty advisors, curriculum committees, program committees (and their sub-committees); and to bring forward any concerns or issues as students progress through the Schedule of Studies for the degree program

• liaise with the faculty advisor for the specialization, in order to provide information about the degree program and the fit of the specialization within the degree program

The responsibilities of the program counsellor are to:

• be familiar with the academic requirements of the degree program and its specializations, including admission requirements, the Schedule of Studies and Continuation of Study requirements, and graduation requirements for the degree program

• assist the student to make academic decisions and understand the implications of those decisions

• assist with course selection and enrolment management issues as related to the degree program

• explain transfer procedures and requirements

• explain appeal procedures

• assist with graduation checks

• sign program approval, as appropriate

• change student type, as appropriate

• meet with students as requested, or required

• refer to the faculty advisor, as appropriate

• uphold the academic policies of the university

• help interpret the academic policies and procedures to students, staff, and faculty

• act as a source of referral to other campus services

• be generally aware of career and graduate study opportunities related to the field of study, or refer appropriately

• work closely with the faculty advisor on any changes to the Schedule of Studies

• consult, as necessary, with other campus services

• provide relevant information to the faculty advisors, departments, dean, curriculum and program committees (and sub-committees) about student issues with the degree program

• participate at liaison events, as requested

The role of the Undergraduate Academic Information Centre (UAIC) (U.C. Level 3, North extension 56613, uaic@uoguelph.ca) is to provide general academic advising information to undergraduate students. This includes appropriate referral to the program counsellor, or faculty advisor, as well as other support services on campus.

For some students, the Centre may function as a first point of contact for information about academic issues. Peer helpers in the unit operate on an assessment and referral system - first helping the student to identify the problem or issue, and then, as necessary, referring them to the appropriate resource (e.g. program counselling office, faculty / specialization advisor, Career Services, Financial Services, etc.).

At the Centre, students will find general information on topics including but not limited to transfer requirements and procedures; Continuation of Study requirements; admission and graduation requirements; information about appeal process and procedures; help with interpreting the calendar; or help with different forms. Students who require more detailed information about their particular degree program requirements, or who have more specific questions may be directed to the program counselling office or to the faculty advisor, as appropriate.

UAIC is a resource for all students, with particular sensitivity to issues facing transfer (advanced standing) students, non-degree and general studies students, and "undecided"* students, including first year students or other students contemplating a change in program.

* Although most University of Guelph students declare a major upon entry, "undecided" in this context refers to students who may be declared in a major but are now not sure whether the program is the right fit for their educational, career, or life goals.