To: All Advisors
From: Debbie Barber
Subject: Information about the GPS Student Educational Plan
Date: April 23, 2013
Changes are being made regarding how advisors and students will use the GPS Plan. The expectation that the plan be started at DKS/Orientation, or a student’s first advising appointment, and updated during future advising appointments continues as before. The plan is intended to replace requirement sheets (if they are still being used) because of the dynamic functionality that it provides.Note: We are still continuing to use the GPS Plan.
Saving But Not Approving
Beginning May 28, plans no longer need to be approved (and thereby locked) by advisors, as you are currently doing. Instead, each time you work with your students, you will update the plan to the extent possible then “Save” but not approve. By using this approach, the plan will remain fluid and it will be much easier for multiple advisors to work with students.
Change in Student Access
In order for this “fluidity” to work it is necessary to change student access to their plans from update capability to “read only.” Previously they could make changes or additions then submit to their advisors for approval. This resulted in students having multiple and incomplete plans in many instances. This new approach will leave all update capability in advisors’ hands. Please share this information with your advisees. The change will take placeMay 28.
Students will still be able to use the “green arrow” functionality which makes it very convenient when planning a semester’s schedule. And, of course, they will be able to perform “what-if” queries in the degree audit when investigating other majors.
Unit Level Decisions
Each academic unit will decide how they will manage plans with respect to completion, and the option to approve will still exist. For example, your college or campus may require that students have completed and approved plans at the time they apply for graduation.
We are hopeful that this new approach will provide you and your advisees with the flexibility necessary to utilize the plan as a very helpful advising tool that will guide students to graduation in the most expedient way possible.
If you would like a refresher for your advising office, please contact me at , ext. 20550. If you have questions about implementing this new practice, please talk with your advising administrator.
Thank you!