ADVISING REFORM

The entire process of college scheduling needs some help. The people who are advisors are more than welcome to help and mostly know answers, but SMU does not give them much to work with. I think that there needs to be some form or reform in this department. Access is great and gets the job done, but the whole pre-approval of classes just makes no sense. I think the process needs to be reversed. Students should have a list of all the classes they need to graduate, sign up for the classes, and then the advisers keep them on track and approve their courses along the way. I also believe there should be a set of main advisers in one building working on all scheduling and approval options. That way when a student, like me, needs to get a summer school course pre-approved, I am able to do it without running around the campus seven different times for five different signatures. I know I am rambling, but there needs to be a greater connection between SMU and the advisers. The advisers are ready and willing to help, but SMU does not specifically tell them what to do. The idea of reversal and a common center for advising would make life a lot less stressful and more productive for both students and advisers. The question is will it ever get done? I think not, SMU does not seem to listen strongly to opinions when the way is already working. Not working well or efficiently, but just working. SMU needs some advising for a reform, and I think I am not the only one who agrees.