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Student Services
Academic Advising Biola University believes that academic advising is a significant experience throughout the academic journey. While the student holds the ultimate responsibility in educational decision-making, advisors play an intentional role by guiding students in their academic progress, plans, and engagement. Advisors partner with students in the larger community of Biola to provide resources for student success and challenge students to take a Christ-centered approach in their academic endeavors (Ephesians 4:11-16). The following are established learning outcomes for academic advising: • Students will be able to develop a relationship with faculty member(s) outside of the classroom setting. • Students will be able to independently navigate university policies and procedures regarding course selection, registration, academic standing, the progression of curriculum, and fulfillment of graduation requirements. • Students will learn how to identify program and curricular paths that are consistent with their abilities, career, interests, life goals, and sense of calling. • Students will learn how to utilize critical thinking and decision-making skills in managing and planning their lives. • Students will have tools to develop and implement a meaningful educational plan with awareness of high impact educational practices (ex: writing-intensive courses, research opportunities, capstone experiences, internships, and cross-cultural experiences). • Students will have the opportunity to pursue and discover connections within the general education, Bible, and major coursework. • Students will be able to reflect on the deeper work God may be doing in their hearts and minds through their academic learning, and identify how they might respond and cooperate with the Holy Spirit in this work. Academic Advising for undergraduate students utilizes a faculty-based advising model. Students with a declared major are assigned a faculty advisor in their discipline. It is required that students meet with their assigned advisor once per semester. The Office of Academic Advising (also known as The Advising Center) has full-time advisors assigned to all undeclared students and those seeking additional help. Students should utilize the services of The Advising Center if they are: • Thinking of changing their major • Considering adding a second major or minor • Transfer students needing clarification regarding transfer credits • Students who have already met with their advisor but have further questions Additionally, students who have been placed on first semester academic probation (see catalog section on Academic Probation) or were provisionally admitted to the University are required to meet with an advisor in The Advising Center. Advisors, both faculty and full-time staff advisors, are available as a resource, but the student is ultimately responsible to ascertain and fulfill graduation requirements.
Additional resources are available for students through The Advising Center website: biola.edu/advising (http://www.biola.edu/advising). Psychological Services Psychological testing and psychotherapeutic services are available to graduate and undergraduate students for a minimal fee. The center is open year round for individual, couple and group counseling. Students who struggle with any number of psychological difficulties are welcome. Inquiries may be made in person at the Biola Counseling Center, located at 12625 La Mirada Blvd. Ste. 202, or by phone at (562) 903-4800. During non-clinic hours, this same number may be used for psychological, non- medical emergencies. Career Development Career Development focuses on empowering students to be active agents in their career preparation and career outcomes. This involves students developing skills and mindset necessary for lifetime employability and discernment of career paths in a constantly changing world. Career Development collaborates with various partners to help students create career plans, develop vocational competencies, connect with employers, and secure meaningful work. Students are encouraged to pursue the following learning outcomes: • Develop one or more relationships with a career advisor outside of the classroom setting. Discuss life direction with a career advisor at least once per year. This can be a faculty member, career counselor, career advisor, academic advisor, industry expert, or someone else. • Take ownership of your career preparation, which usually involves: exploring interests and skills, reflecting on life's themes, researching suitable career options, creating roadmaps, identifying prerequisite work experiences and education, making lists of potential work organizations, pursuing good opportunities, customizing resumes and cover letters, conducting interviews, and submitting graduate school applications (if applicable). • Commit to gaining 1–3 years substantive work experience (e.g., internships) in an area of interest prior to graduation. Popular services in Career Development include: • Biolalink job and internship database • Career Key assessment • Job search • Resumes • Cover letters
• Career advising • Events calendar
• Interviewing • Networking • Graduate school Information on the above can be found on Career Development's website: career.biola.edu (http://career.biola.edu). Writing Center The Writing Center, located in the Library, is a place where undergraduate and graduate students of all disciplines and writing abilities can meet with trained writing consultants. These consultants help student writers revise current writing projects and help them develop writing skills that can be applied in courses across the academic spectrum.
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