Advising in the nursing program is a shared model, meaning students work with both a University Advisor and a Faculty Advisor at different points in their academic journey. Each advisor plays a distinct role to ensure you are supported academically, professionally, and personally throughout the program.
The University Advisor focuses on academic planning and degree progress, especially for pre-clinical coursework, general education courses, and electives.
Primary responsibilities:
Course selection for first and second year students who have not yet completed NUR 300.
Guidance on general education, science, and social science requirements
Monitoring degree progress, credits, and residency requirements
Supporting students as they prepare to enter clinical-level coursework
Partnering with the Undergraduate Education Coordinator to confirm students meet graduation requirements
What to expect
Students will meet with your University Advisor regularly during your first two years
In junior and senior years, advising is often delivered through group advising sessions
Students should still reach out individually if you have questions or need clarification regarding ____________
The Faculty Advisor focuses on student development within the nursing profession and your experience in the major.
Primary responsibilities:
Career exploration
Graduate school guidance
Mentorship in clinical and practicum experiences
Support with nursing coursework and academic challenges
Guidance on progression within the major
Advising for student organizations and professional involvement
Building connection, community, and support networks
What to expect:
Students are assigned a Faculty Advisor when you enter clinical-level coursework with NUR 300
You are encouraged to build a relationship with your Faculty Advisor and seek guidance proactively
Faculty Advisors are also knowledgeable about the nursing curriculum and can answer course-related questions if needed
Go to the USM MyCampus portal
Login using your @maine credentials
Click on the launchpad icon for Student Center. It looks like a green street sign with.
In your student center click on "Academics" in the left side nagivation menu.
In the dropdown that opens lick on "Advisor Information"
You will then see names of all advisors assigned to you and their role.
All admitted nursing students will have a University Advisor listed. The faculty advisor will be assigned in the semester you take NUR 300 (February if spring semester, May if summer semester, September if fall semester).
Students are automatically assigned to a University Advisor when they become a nursing major.
Freshman and Sophomore students work with Jennifer Major.
Junior and Senior students work with Laurie Lentz.
Students are assigned a faculty advisor in the semester that they take NUR 300.
NUR 300 taken fall semester - faculty advisor assigned in September
NUR 300 taken in spring semester - faculty advisor assigned in February
NUR 300 taken in summer semester - faculty advisor assigned in May
The Coordinator of Undergraduate Nursing Education, Dr. Provost, assigns students to their faculty advisor
Assignments are managed to ensure equitable distribution among faculty
If a faculty member is on leave students will be assigned a temporary faculty advisor until their normal faculty advisor returns.
Students will get an email letting them know when they have been assigned to a faculty advisor.
Requesting a change of faculty advisor:
Typically students should remain with their assigned faculty advisor, however in extuenating circumstances students may contact Dr. Provost to request a different facutly advisor be assigned.
Such requests will be evaluated on an indivual basis, and include consideration of matining an equitable number of advisees per faculty advisor.