Philosophy
The primary purpose of the academic advising program is to assist students in their growth and development by constructing meaningful educational plans which are compatible with their life goals. It is a continuous and consistent process which is built upon the basis of frequent, accumulated personal contacts between advisor and advisee. Effective academic advising should be considered a cornerstone of the academic program of High Point University. Excellent academic programs will not accomplish the desired end result if students are not properly guided and counseled. In addition, poor or inadequate advising can lead to student retention problems with losses occurring among well-prepared and highly motivated students as often as among poorly prepared and weakly-motivated ones. As a church-related university, it is part of our mission to provide sensitive and thoughtful support to our students as they wrestle with the many choices open to them.
Definition
Advising is a developmental process which assists students in the clarification of their life/career goals and in the development of educational plans for the realization of these goals. It is a decision-making process which assists students in realizing their maximum educational potential through communication and information exchanges with an advisor; it is ongoing, multi-faceted, and the responsibility of both student and advisor. The academic advisor serves as a facilitator of communication and life skills; a coordinator of learning experiences through course and career planning and program progress review; and an agent of referral to other campus services as necessary.
If you are a student assigned to a faculty advisor and you decide that you want to change your major, declare a minor, declare a second major and/or change advisors, please fill out the form below. Students must have the correct major listed on their academic records. Furthermore, it is equally important that students be advised by a faculty advisor in their intended major.
Student Success with Starfish
Starfish is HPU’s Early Alert, student-success platform that will help maintain good communication with instructors, Academic Advisors, Student Success Coaches, and other faculty and staff to support academic success. Starfish is a tool that provides an efficient way for faculty and staff to quickly offer feedback, appointment scheduling and support to all undergraduate students.
Starfish for Students
Freshman Advising
Every High Point University first-year student is assigned a Success Coach to assist during their first year of college!
Find Your Coach
Upperclassmen Advising
Every student will be assigned to a faculty advisor in their second or third year depending on program of study and credits completed.
Upperclassmen Advising Information
Peer Assisted Learning Services
Peer Assisted Learning Services (P.A.L.S.) provides tutorial support in a wide range of courses through undergraduate peer tutoring and Supplemental Instruction tutoring as well as Student Success Workshops each semester. Academic Services works closely with other programs in the Office of Academic Services department to support the academic and life skills needs of the students of High Point University. Academic Services is a Level III CRLA Certified Learning Program.
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Learning Excellence
Learning Excellence is a fee-based, academic support program that provides comprehensive services for any student at High Point University. The program is beneficial for any student who needs help with transitioning to college, organization, time management, study skills, or strategies to help with learning differences. This impactful program of individualized support develops a learning action plan specific to each student, so they receive the personalized attention and the encouragement needed to be successful. Learning Excellence is a semester-long program, and there is no obligation to continue for the following semester.
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OARS
We are committed to providing students with disabilities equal access to their college education and university life.
Request Accommodations Today
FAQs
Do I need to see my advisor or success coach before selecting courses?
Yes, your advisor or success coach will have the most up to date information regarding course requirements.
What should I do if I receive a Starfish flag for a class?
You should either meet with your professor or advisor/success coach to discuss the concern, ways to get back in track in that course.
Where can I find information if I am a transfer student?
Students can visit our Transfer Student Page for information about transfer application deadlines, requirements, and important details for those interested in transferring to High Point University.
What should I do if I want to drop, add or withdraw from a course?
Students should complete the drop/add form which can be found at the bottom of University Registrar’s webpage. Students should discuss these changes with the advisor or success coach prior to making changes to their schedule. Students with scholarships or financial aid should check with the Office of Financial planning before making any changes to their schedule if the change affects the number of enrolled credit hours.
How do I change my major or minor?
Students at HPU can complete the Program Change Form to make changes to their major or minor. If you have any questions, please contact Cam Farrar at [email protected] or visit the Office of Academic Services in Smith Library, 4th Floor, Room 400C.
Does HPU have an attendance policy?
Yes, HPU has an Undergraduate Attendance Policy which can be found in the Undergraduate Bulletin. Keep in mind that professors may a stricter policy for their respective courses which can be found in the course syllabus.
Does HPU differentiate between excused and unexcused absences?
No, all absences are considered an absence. Therefore, student should plan accordingly and should not miss class for personal travel or medical procedures that can be performed during breaks.
Does HPU offer remote access to undergraduate classes during the Fall and Spring semesters?
In very rare circumstances, The Office of Academic Services can approve remote access to select courses, at the discretion of the professor, for up to two weeks without an extension. No all courses can be delivered in remote format. Long term remote access requests should be directed to the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services (OARS)
What happens if I need to miss class due to an illness, injury, or death of a family member?`
- Students who need to be absent for 3 or more class days should complete the Temporary Absence Request Form
- Students will need to provide a reason for their absence along with appropriate documentation.
*This form is not to be used for travel delays unless the travel delays are as a result of a national or international crisis or a natural disaster.
What happens if I exceed the number of absences allowed by a course or the Undergraduate Attendance Policy?
If a student exceeds the number of absences allowed for a course before the last day to withdraw from individual courses, the student will be awarded a grade of “W” for that course.
If a student exceeds the number of absences allowed for a course after the last day to withdraw from individual courses, the student will be awarded a grade of “WF” for that course, and it will impact their GPA in the same manner as earning a grade of “F” for the course.
