There are several types of academic advisors on campus that will provide guidance and support throughout your college journey.
- IRIS advisors primarily assist first semester freshmen, students with undeclared majors and first semester transfer students.
- Faculty advisors primarily work with students in their declared major or area of study.
- Student Success Engagement advisors support students from all backgrounds, particularly first-generation students through five programs (Compass, GOALS, TRIO, COSI and mentoring). Not all students will have an SSE advisor.
IRIS advisors assist first semester freshman, students with undeclared majors and first semester transfer students.
An IRIS advisor can help students choose a major, register for classes, get a better understanding of academic requirements and much more. IRIS advisors can help and assist with:
- Major exploration (first-semester students should sign up for Orientation)
- Course selection and registration
- Reading and understanding of their Degree Works Report
- Strategies for academic success
- Navigating university systems, policies and procedures
- Understanding the financial obligations of their education
- Educating on the resources available to help pay for school
- Students returning from suspension with registering for classes and connecting with campus resources to guarantee their success
- Connecting students to campus resources such Educational Access Services (EAS), Tutorial Learning Center (TLC), Career Services and much more!
IRIS advisors are located on the first floor of Lowell Heiny Hall and may be reached at [email protected] or 970.248.1177.
Faculty advisors primarily work with students in their declared major or area of study.
They are the specialists in students' chosen field who can help them choose the right classes to take each semester and help them prepare for their future career. Meeting with a faculty advisor can help save students time and money and they are a great reference for job applications.
Faculty advisors can assist with:
- Advising students in their department/major area of study
- Guiding students in the process of degree completion
- Selecting courses that will match their interests and career and educational goals
- Connecting students to campus resources such as clubs, organizations and activities that can lead to future career opportunities or provide students with the necessary experience for prospective careers
- Assist students with gathering information about careers related to a degree field, the job-market for an occupation, available career opportunities and experience, as well as career and graduate school contacts
- Provide guidance on applying to graduate or professional schools post-graduation
A student's faculty advisor will be listed on the top section of their DegreeWorks report and in the 'My Account' tab in MAVzone. You can also find your advisor’s contact information in the Campus Directory.
Student Success Engagement advisors support students from all backgrounds, particularly first-generation students through five programs (Compass, GOALS, TRIO, COSI and mentoring). Not all students will have an SSE advisor, and students in the many programs associated with SSE will have an SSE advisor along with a faculty advisor.
Compass
Students in the Compass program are assigned to a Student Success Coach. Student Success Coaches serve as advisors on all aspects of students' academic experiences - from major/career advising to course scheduling - until the student is able to transition to a bachelor's degree program at CMU. Learn more about the Compass program and Student Success Coaches.
GOALS (Greater Opportunity for Academic and Life Success)
GOALS is an academic support program that provides academic and personal assistance to students who have been placed into an associate degree program so they can become better prepared to enter a 4-year baccalaureate program. Students in the GOALS program meet regularly with their GOALS advisor, UNIV 100 instructor and peer advisors to discuss academics, personal goals, and major and career options. Learn more about the GOALS program and advisors.
TRIO
Through workshops, individualized attention and mentoring, TRIO staff assists students in achieving their academic, personal, financial and professional goals. To be eligible for TRIO-SSS services, participants must be enrolled as a full-time student at CMU and enrolled in a four-year degree, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and meeting one of the following criteria: neither parent graduated from a four-year college, is a student that may meet low income guidelines or is a student with a documented disability. Learn more about the TRIO.
COSI
The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI) provides qualifying Colorado students with scholarship awards to aid them in their pursuit of a college degree. In addition to financial assistance, COSI scholars are able to meet with COSI advisors on a regular basis. These COSI advisors take on many roles including:
- Providing individual and group support
- Teaching financial literacy (including FAFSA)
- Aiding students as they transition to college or the workforce
- Advising and guiding students as they navigate their academic journey
Learn more about COSI.