Academic Advising

How to reach them

• Web: lsa.umich.edu/advising

• Address: 1255 Angell Hall

• Phone: 734.764.0332

• Email: ask.newnan@umich.edu

About Newnan Advising Center

The Newnan Academic Advising Center supports students as they make decisions about their education. Through individual advising conversations, online resources, workshops, and programs, Newnan advisors are dedicated to building relationships and helping students to:

• connect and synthesize experiences inside and outside the classroom

• co-create their academic journey

• walk through the decision-making process

• navigate degree requirements, policies, and procedures

• plan for post-graduation experiences

• use referrals and resources on campus and beyond

How Students Engage with Newnan Advising Center

• • Students meet with an academic advisor during the orientation period before their first term of matriculation. 

  • During their first and second years, students consult with general advisors about topics such as college life, selecting courses, college requirements, pre professional concerns, research opportunities, internships, study abroad, and deciding on a degree program. 

  • In their junior and senior years, interactions become more focused. They meet with both general and major/minor advisors to review their academic progress, ensure transfer and study abroad credits are recorded, and plan their professional path after graduation. 

  • Students are also able to schedule 1:1 appointments or participate in group advising sessions with our specialized pre-health or pre-law advisors to further tailor their academic plans and career trajectories. 

How to reach them

• Web: lsa.umich.edu/csp

• Address: 1144 Angell Hall

• Phone: 734.764.9128

• Email: csp-4info@umich.edu

About CSP

The Comprehensive Studies Program (CSP) is a multidisciplinary academic unit and learning community supporting over 3,000 University of Michigan undergraduates across all schools and colleges. CSP empowers students through active learning, leadership, and academic support by offering:

• LSA courses

• holistic academic advising

• academic and co-curricular programming

• peer-supported learning

Progress Reports

They strongly encourage faculty to use Undergraduate Academic Progress Reports throughout the semester for all CSP students. They are a proactive, powerful, and motivating resource, not just a corrective measure. CSP advisors use your insights to proactively follow up with students and offer tailored support. 

Best practices include:

• Offer early encouragement and accountability, especially for students you have concerns about -- not just at mid-term. 

• Progress Reports are part of a student’s official academic record, so please treat them as professional, clear, respectful, instructive, and motivating documents. 

• Be concise and specific, clearly identifying areas of strength or concern. 

• Address the report to the student, as they are the primary audience, even though advisors also receive it.

Academic Advising

CSP Academic Advisors partner with students from orientation through graduation to clarify their goals, explore their strengths, and navigate the University successfully.

• Explain LSA academic policies and college degree requirements 

• Guide student exploration of courses/majors/minors 

• Connect students with academic and well-being resources

• Coach students through learning/study strategies

They encourage students to meet with them at least once per semester. They offer 45 minute in-person and Zoom appointments. Virtual drop-in advising is also available for students at the start of the semester and during course registration periods.

Summer Bridge Scholars Program

CSP also administers the Summer Bridge Scholars Program (SBSP), a 7-week residential program that supports up to 350 first-year students, giving them a competitive edge for their fall semester. Our LSA courses span the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and mathematics. CSP's teaching emphasizes accessible practices and fostering a strong sense of belonging to enhance intellectual growth for all learners.

How to reach them

• Web: lsa.umich.edu/honors

• Address: 1330 Mason Hall

• Phone: 734.764.6274

• Email:  ask.honors@umich.edu

About the Honors Program

The LSA Honors Program is both a comprehensive college advising hub and a vibrant Michigan Learning Community, creating an academic home for high-achieving students across all disciplines. They deliver rigorous lower-division curriculum while partnering with departments throughout the university to expand opportunities through specialized Honors course sections. 

The program champions students who declare Honors Majors by providing personalized advising, robust research support, and dedicated guidance through the thesis development process. They nurture intellectual curiosity and help students push the boundaries of their academic potential.

Faculty members design and teach innovative courses in their Core curriculum, with development funding provided to support their creative vision. Many also mentor students through individual course conversions, Independent Study projects, and thesis work, fostering the kind of close faculty-student relationships that define transformative education. 

Communication flows between instructors and the advising team through regular progress reports, while the Academic Affairs committee draws on faculty expertise when evaluating student requests. Together, Honors creates an environment where academic excellence thrives and students discover their full potential.

How to reach them

• Web: lsa.umich.edu/rc

• Address: 1813 East Quadrangle

• Phone: 734.647.2745

• Email:  rescollege@umich.edu

About the Residential College

The Residential College (RC) is a four-year undergraduate liberal arts program with about 800 students and 60 faculty, situated within LSA. RC advisors provide general advising to RC students regarding RC and LSA requirements, possible majors, graduation requirements, etc. The RC Board on Academic Standing considers petitions submitted by RC students relating to requirements, deadlines, and academic circumstances.

When undergrads declare a major or minor within LSA, they are assigned an academic advisor in the department or program. These advisors play a critical role in supporting student’s academic and personal development by 

• guiding their integration into the intellectual and social community of the discipline

• fostering student engagement and encouraging to participate in events and invitations

• promoting awareness of research and professional opportunities

• serving as a vital link between students and faculty, thereby enhancing students’ academic experience

The Advising File and Appointment System

The Advising File and Appointment System are essential tools that support the work of academic advisors within the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA). The Advising File serves as a centralized, digital record-keeping system that provides comprehensive, real-time information about a student’s academic history, advising interactions, progress toward degree completion, and relevant notes from faculty and staff. It facilitates continuity in advising by allowing multiple advisors across units to view shared information, thereby promoting coordinated and informed student support. 

The Appointment System, meanwhile, streamlines the scheduling of advising sessions, enabling students to book appointments and advisors to manage availability and workload effectively.

To gain access to these systems, users should ask their departmental supervisor or administrator submit an official access request form on their behalf. Access is restricted to individuals who have completed required training to ensure proper handling of student data. Specifically, users must complete the MyLINC FERPA training through the University of Michigan and the LSA Advising File Canvas Course, which provides a thorough orientation to the functionalities and ethical responsibilities associated with using the system. These prerequisites are in place to safeguard student privacy and promote effective, responsible advising practices.

Professional Development and Community Building

The Office of the Assistant Dean and Newnan Academic Advising Center play foster professional development and community building within the LSA advising network. 

• The Terrence McDonald Advising Academy offers a structured opportunity for professional learning, reflection, and growth among advisors. It is designed to provide both new and experienced advisors with a comprehensive framework for understanding best practices in student success, holistic advising, and institutional policy. Through workshops, guest speakers, and collaborative sessions, the Academy promotes the continuous enhancement of advising competencies.

• The annual LSA Advising Community Gathering, serves a more broad-based and communal purpose. It brings together colleagues from many other areas across the College in a collegial environment that fosters dialogue and connection with additional information on major updates from around the university. 

Both events reflect a commitment to cultivating an engaged and well supported advising community that can effectively respond to the evolving needs of LSA students.