Advisee Protocol and Expectations

Student Responsibilities

Each Health Coaching student is assigned a faculty advisor to serve as mentors and to provide support throughout the Health Coaching Program. Students will benefit by developing a working relationship with their advisors during their time in the program. A staff advisor is also assigned. The advisors are the first point of contact for personal or programmatic questions that arise during the academic program depending on the issue and comfort level of the student. See the Advising Quick Reference Guide for more information on common reasons to contact each advisor.

Assigned Advisor

Faculty advisors for students in the Certificate in Integrative Therapies and Healing Practices—Health Coaching Track and the Master of Arts in Integrative Health and Wellbeing Coaching are assigned. Students’ advisors will sign off on all program plans and graduation plans and will be included in any Feedback and Improvement Forms (FIF). The following are advisory expectations: 

• Each year the CSH Academic Programs office will send out a Progress Form for students to track and plan their degree progression. Students are encouraged to bring this form with them to their annual advising appointments.

• Students complete a Graduate Planning and Audit Systems (GPAS) plan and submit it to the graduate school at least one semester prior to their planned graduation date. Once students have an exact plan set for their coursework sequence, the student’s advisors approve this plan, along with the Center Director of Graduate Studies.

• Students should make appointments (in-person or via phone) with their advisors for any issues or challenges that require attention on a more immediate basis. If concerns or issues arise, address them with your advisors immediately.

Change of Program Process

Students enrolled in either the Health Coaching Master’s or Certificate track may choose to switch to the other program with the approval of their advisors, Program Directors, and Director of Graduate Studies. Because these are separate programs, a new Change of Status application and a $75 application fee will be required. The Change of Status application must be received at minimum 60 days before the start of the term in which they intend to start in the other program. Students may contact their staff advisor for guidance in the Change of Status application process.

Additional Advising Resources

Graduate students’ relationship with their advisors is critically important for students’ success. It is a dynamic, professional relationship and is defined by the expectations, needs, and interests of both student and advisor.

These resources, developed by the University of Minnesota’s Work Group on Advising & Mentoring, are provided to help students maximize their relationship with their advisor, deal constructively with conflicts that may arise, and address ways to communicate more effectively to minimize misunderstandings.

General Information

• Graduate & Professional Student Advising

Art of Advising

The Art of Advising is a short video series produced by the Graduate School for graduate faculty advisors - created to demystify, clarify, and raise awareness about available advising tools and support.

Academic Civility & The Dignity Project

Academic incivility, or behavior that creates an offensive, intimidating, or hostile learning or working environment, has emerged as a serious concern on campuses across the country. Although generally a taboo topic for discussion within academe, evidence of academic incivility's negative effects on students, faculty, and staff is increasing. It is essential, therefore, that universities address this serious issue and work to ensure campus climates that are conducive to well-being, learning, and productivity.