General Policy

Basic to the concept of Wittenberg University as a church-related college is a deep and abiding concern for the total welfare of each of its students. Accordingly, a primary function of its faculty and staff is to provide professionally competent counsel and advice for each student with respect to educational, career, and personal planning as well as personal, interpersonal and adjustment problems which may affect the student’s work.

Each faculty and staff member accepts an equitable share of the advising program to work with students in this task. Academic Services is responsible for coordinating academic advising, while the Student Development staff provides additional counseling services.

Equally basic to the concept of the church-related college is recognizing that personal growth and maturity are achieved through acceptance of responsibility. Wittenberg University, therefore, affirms that the primary responsibility for the pattern and outcome of the student’s education lies with the student. The role of the advisor is ancillary; the student must be responsible for knowing institutional policies and programs and must accept responsibility for the decisions made.

Wittenberg also considers the student a young adult and a responsible agent. While the legitimate interests of parent are recognized the college considers that it has entered into a contract with the student and that, in this relationship, it stands on its own integrity as an educational institution not in loco parentis.

Students need to use effectively the campus network of advisors and counselors. Students living in residence halls are urged to contact their Area Coordinator first to focus quickly and realistically on problems related to personal and adjustment issues. Those students living in Greek houses or off campus are urged to contact any member of the Student Development staff regarding adjustment problems.

Advising is an opportunity to challenge students to:

• Make informed decisions
• Set short- and long-range educational goals
• Accept responsibility for their educational developments
• Grow personally and academically

Advising is an opportunity for students to talk about:

• Life and career goals
• Values, interests, abilities, and personality
• Learning styles, strengths, and limitations
• Decision-making skills
• Campus resources

Additional resources to assist you in Academic Advising can be found here.