Students / Current Students / Predoctoral / Academic Advisor Program

NJDS offers advising to students through trained faculty advisors who serve as resources to students experiencing academic or adjustment difficulties and complement the overall academic advising process. Students initially meet with the Director of Student Advisement & Support Programs to determine what services (tutoring, counseling, and/or faculty advising) will best serve the student's needs. Students are then assigned to a faculty advisor with whom they will meet at least monthly for the duration of the academic year. If students' status on academic probation persists, they continue to meet with the same faculty advisor in the following academic year.

FAQ's:
How are students who need assistance identified?
What if I think I need help but have not been referred by a course director or SAPC?
What is the purpose of the Faculty Advising program?
How Does the Advising Process at NJDS Work?

How are students who need assistance identified?

• All students placed on academic probation, in the five-year plan, returning from a leave of absence or repeating the academic year are required to participate in the advising program.
• Any student who feels they would like the additional support afforded by the advising program is welcome to participate.
• Students can be self-referred, mandated to participate in the advising system by the Student Academic Performance Committee, or recommended to participate by course directors, concerned faculty, the Office of Academic Affairs or Office of Student Affairs.

What if I think I need help but have not been referred by a course director or SAPC?

• Any student who feels they would like the additional support afforded by the advising program is welcome to participate. Interested students should contact Ms. Jeanette DeCastro, Office of Student Affairs, in room B846, extension 2-7816 or decastje@umdnj.edu

What is the purpose of the Student Academic Advisor Program?

The goal of the NJDS advising program is to increase student retention and performance. Additional program goals:

• To identify students in need of advising services;
• To assist students in overcoming educational and personal problems
• To provide students with clear and accurate information and interpretation regarding institutional requirements, policies and procedures;
• To enhance student awareness of/provide referrals to available educational and institutional resources;
• To provide students with information concerning study skills, time management, test taking skills, and stress management;
• To assist students in clarification of professional goals; and,
• To identify environmental conditions that may negatively influence student academic achievement and propose interventions that may neutralize such conditions.

How Does the Advising Process at NJDS Work?

Office of Student Affairs - Director of Student Advisement & Support Programs:

• Meets with students identified as needing assistance and determines needs regarding study skill development, tutorial services and outside resources
• Assigns students to a faculty mentor/advisor for additional assistance.

Students:

• Meet on a regular basis with the Director of Student Advisement & Support Programs until cleared to follow-up with regularly scheduled meetings with a faculty advisor;
• Once assigned a faculty advisor, contacts the advisor (within two weeks) and, schedules regular meetings, at least monthly;
• Keep all appointments and inform the advisor of any cancellations in advance; and,
• Maintain knowledge of and adhere to all policies, procedures and requirements of the school.

Faculty Advisors:

• Volunteer their time out of a desire to assist students;
• Advise a maximum of three students at one time; and,
• Keep a brief record of each appointment, including major topics discussed with the student, which is provided to the Office of Student Affairs.

Contact information:

Jeanette DeCastro, M.Ed.
Director of Student Advisement & Support Programs
NJDS-Office of Student Affairs
Room B824
973-972-7816
decastje@umdnj.edu

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