Mercy College recognizes that advising is an integral part of a college education. The advising process establishes a collaborative relationship between student and advisor in which the student feels a sense of connection, support, and guidance. Effective advising is developmental. It responds to, and creates, growth and change within the student. Advising encourages students to think critically, seek out resources, and develop action plans. It provides students with the information and encouragement they need to take personal responsibility for exploring options and making decisions. Ultimately, advising allows each student to achieve a meaningful and successful educational experience.
We will make sure that you understand the requirements of both the general education curriculum and those courses needed for your major.
Referral to and use of institutional and community support services
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Advisor?
Your advisor serves as your supporter, advocate, and guide, and is crucial to every aspect of your college career. Therefore it is important for you to develop and sustain a close relationship with your advisor throughout your time at Mercy College.
How are advisors assigned?
Each Mercy College campus has a staff of professional advisors who are assigned students at that campus. College Opportunity Programs (TRiO programs - Student Support Services, McNair, HEOP - Higher Education Opportunity Program CSTEP - College Science and Technology Entry Program) will be assigned an advisor from that program.
Otherwise, depending on your major, even if you are undeclared, you will be assigned an advisor who works very closely with you and the faculty in your major field of study.
How do I know the name of my advisor?
You may stop into the advising center at any campus to find out the name of your advisor. Similarly, once you have set up your Mercy Connect account you should access your degree audit under the Administrative Services tab. The name of your advisor will appear on the audit.
How do I contact my advisor?
You should stay in touch with your advisor throughout the semester. You may use e-mail, telephone or just stop by the office if you have a quick question. However, it is best to make an appointment if you wish to discuss your requirements, have a problem, or need assistance. You should always see your advisor before you choose your classes for the next semester.
What is a degree audit (OnCourse)?
Your audit tells you what courses are still needed to complete the requirement for your degree. It shows you what classes you have completed and how they are being applied toward your degree. If you have transfer credits, it shows you how those credits have been accepted and applied toward your degree.
If you feel your degree audit is incorrect, or have any questions about it, contact your advisor immediately.
How do I change my major?
If you wish to change your major you should discuss it with your advisor. The advisor will print a new degree audit showing you how your credits will be applied to that major and process the appropriate form. However, some programs have entrance requirements that must be met before you can be accepted to that major, and some majors are only available at certain campuses. Check with your advisor.
What if I want to drop a class, add a class, or take a leave of absence?
Although you have the ability to drop and add classes through Mercy Connect you should always discuss any change in your program with your advisor. We will advise you about the academic and financial implications of that change. Students often do not realize that a change in program may jeopardize their financial aid either for the current or future semesters or that withdrawing after the 100% refund date creates a tuition liability. There are also deadlines for withdrawing and adding/dropping class, so do not wait until the last minute, see your advisor as soon as you are having doubts about your class schedule.
What should I do if I am doing poorly in a class?
The first thing you should do is discuss the situation with your instructor who will probably recommend that you get assistance at the Learning Center. In addition to getting a tutor or other help at the Learning Center you should come and see your academic advisor. We will help you get the assistance you need, discuss your study habits and learning styles, talk with you about time management, and help you get back on track. Do not wait until it is too late to turn things around.
If I need to talk about a personal problem, can I do that too?
Yes, if your problem is related to your academic success you can talk with an advisor. If you need further personal counseling the advisor will refer you to someone.
Can I talk with my advisor about career choices?
Yes, your advisor will begin the conversation with you and then refer you to Career Planning and Placement. You may also access the online Career Development page.
What does it mean if I am on probation?
If you have been placed on probation it means that your overall GPA has fallen below the required 2.0. In order to avoid being dismissed from the college you must get a semester GPA of 2.0 each semester until your cumulative GPA is 2.0. At that point you will be considered in good standing.
If your semester GPA falls below the required 2.0 while on probation, you may be dismissed from the College.
What if I am dismissed?
You will have one opportunity to appeal your dismissal. Contact your advisor immediately upon receipt of a dismissal notification, and if you both feel it is appropriate, you will be given an appointment for a dismissal appeal hearing.
If your appeal is granted you must maintain a semester grade point average of 2.0 each semester you are at the college until you graduate. Failure to do this may result in a Final Dismissal from Mercy College.
What if I repeat a class for a better grade?
Anytime you repeat a class the old grade is suppressed and the new grade is reflected in your GPA. (This is true even if the second grade is lower than the first.) Always check with your advisor before you repeat a class in which you have received a passing grade of D or better. Financial aid regulations only allow repeats in specific instances, and without proper advising you may not get your full award.
How do I know if I qualify for graduation?
A review of your degree audit will determine if you are ready. If you believe you are ready and your audit confirms that, you must fill out a graduation application available on the Student tab of Mercy Connect. If your audit does not confirm you are ready, and you believe you are, contact your advisor immediately.
What happens if I take a Leave of Absence and then return to the College?
Every academic year a new Undergraduate Catalog is released, detailing the requirements for each major. These requirements are subject to change from year to year. The Catalog year that covers your first semester at Mercy applies to your specific degree requirements until the day you graduate, regardless if changes occur in newly released Catalogs. If, however, you take a Leave of Absence from Mercy for 3 or more consecutive semesters, you must be readmitted to the College. When you are readmitted, you are then responsible for fulfilling requirements detailed in the Catalog of the academic year you were readmitted, not the Catalog of your first semester; hence, in this instance, your degree requirements have changed. As a rule of thumb, always speak to your advisor when returning from a Leave of Absence to go over new degree requirements.
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Be prepared when you meet with your advisor. Here are some questions to think about and write down:
