The following information explains the policies and procedures followed by the History Department in the advisement of students.

The Department of History considers advising vital to a student's successful completion of academic requirements and career plans. Therefore it seeks to provide timely, accurate, systematic and courteous academic advisement to all History and Social Sciences majors throughout their entire period of study.

Not all members of the History Faculty are academic advisors. Academic advisors are selected on the basis of their proven advising and people skills. Reflecting the existing academic programs and degrees, they are divided into 4 categories: a) B.A. advisors; b) History Education advisors; c) graduate advisor; and Ph.D. in Heritage studies (Public History component).

Methods and Procedures

1. Incoming students are encouraged to meet personally with Dr. Pamela Hronek, Chair (phronek@astate.edu) ; to visit the Department of History at 109 Wilson Hall; to make an appointment with the corresponding advisor by calling 870/972-3046; to address any inquiries or concerns in writing (Chair, Department of History, Arkansas State University, P.O. Box 1690, State University, AR 72467); or to make telephone or fax inquiries (tel. 870/972-3046, fax 870/972-2880). One may also visit the Department of History web page at http://history.astate.edu/

2. Students are assigned to an advisor, who evaluates academic transcripts as sent by the Office of the Registrar. On the basis of these transcripts, and in conjunction with student interviews, the advisor makes recommendations and approves course selections, maintains a check sheet, advises on future career prospects and graduate programs for further studies, and conducts a terminal academic review during the final semester of studies.

3. The advisor maintains an active file on each advisee, containing transcripts, check sheets, summaries and/or logs of advising sessions, or any other pertinent documentation, taking care to be as accurate as possible.

4. It is the student's responsibility to meet with the advisor at least once during a semester, although students should feel free to meet with their advisor at other times as needed.

5. It is the student's primary responsibility to consult the advisor regularly. It is also the student's responsibility to be familiar with all academic procedures, deadlines, requirements pertinent to the Department, the College, and the University. Failure to do so constitutes a serious breach of protocol and will not reflect negatively on the advisor.

6. The student may not register for any class without prior approval from the advisor, who alone can arrange for the removal of the customary computer block for registration (note: the Chair may do so on the advice of the advisor). Should a student on his own somehow manage to overcome the computer block, the student alone will be responsible for any shortcomings in his schedule.

Additional Information

B.S.E (History Education)

1. The advisor apprises each student as to his or her responsibilities in the advisement process and informs him/her of the precise sequencing of courses as set in the educational core curriculum. The student is responsible for becoming thoroughly familiar with the contents of the University Catalog in effect at the date of his/her admission to the University and should carefully read and understand the sections governing his/her chosen degree program.

2. The advisor provides the student with copies of his/her degree program graduation check-sheet and encourages the student to maintain his own copy of the pre-graduation file and to monitor his/her progress toward graduation in accordance with the rules and regulations listed in the University Catalog in effect at the date of his/her admission. Careful attention must be devoted to the requirements for licensure and to any new programs requirements, such as the PRAXIS II examinations.

3. The advisor will explain the use of relevant forms, note course sequencing, prescribed requirements if any, and important deadlines. The advisor assists the student with compiling relevant data and the completion of Teacher Education Program admission forms (i.e., Application for Admission, Pre-Teacher Intern Check Form, and Intent to Teacher Intern Check Form).

4. The student is encouraged to attend all meetings relevant to his degree program.

Ph.D. in Heritage Studies

1. Heritage Studies has a separate detailed procedure to evaluate, advise and mentor Ph.D. candidates. For further inquiries, contact

Dr. Clyde Milner, Director Heritage Studies Ph.D. Program

Arkansas State University

P.O. Box 69

State University, AR 72467

870/910-8217

cmilner@astate.edu