Academic Advising at the UFS

Academic advisement at the UFS is defined as an ongoing and intentional teaching and learning process to support and encourage advisees in aligning and fulfilling their personal, academic and career goals. It is a high-impact practice directed at connecting, empowering, and supporting students to achieve academic success. As a shared responsibility between central advisors, faculty advisors and advisee, advising aims to maximise students' potential by facilitating a conceptual understanding, sharing relevant information, and developing a relationship focused on promoting academic success. The envisaged result is that students have a meaningful academic experience while at the UFS and feel a sense of belonging to the UFS. (UFS, General Academic Rules and Regulations 2024). 

Academic advising is the support that propels you along each of the 6 phases of your university journey and ensures that you reach graduation in record time! No matter where in the journey you are, academic advising will help you find your way and keep you going!

At the UFS, academic advisors are identified under 4 categories:

• Peer advisors: Are there to ensure that you connect with the correct support structures to get the support you need. They act as a referral point between you and the Central office advisors. E.g., success coaches; tutors, RC’s etc.

• Student Support Advisors: Are there to provide information, services, and support to ensure to are set on your student journey relating to administration and academics. E.g., Student Counselling and Development; Career Services; Student Administration Services etc.
  
  
• Faculty/curriculum advisors: Are there to assist students with curriculum specific advising. Students seek faculty advisors during registration and other points of their academic journey that require faculty specific guidance.  
  
  
• Central (general) advisors: Are there to support you on your journey towards student success. They are there to help you align your personal, academic and career interest for a positive student experience. In the central advising office, there are senior advisors specially allocated to supporting mainstream students as well as Transition academic advisors for our extended programme students.