Faculty Advisor Resources

Case management, at its very core, is about helping students to overcome the obstacles they encounter in their lives. Student Service Advisors guide students from the time of their acceptance to the college through graduation by providing personalized service and comprehensive resources designed to ensure student success in all phases of academic, career and personal development. This is central to Trocaire College’s Strategic Plan, which seeks to retain students and provide them with an environment conducive to student success.

1. Help students clarify their values and goals.
2. Provide accurate information about educational options, requirements, policies, and procedures.
3. Plan an educational program consistent with a student’s interests and abilities.
4. Assist students in the continual monitoring and evaluation of their educational progress.
5. Integrate the many resources of the institution and/or in the community to meet the student’s educational and personal needs.
6. Prepare students to transition to faculty advisors in their academic programs.

Most students who are new (freshmen and transfers) to Trocaire College each semester (excluding BSN, HCM, ECHO, and DMS students), and those who are readmitted after being away from the college for more than one year. These students receive comprehensive case management and academic advisement from their assigned Student Service Advisor for two semesters before being reassigned to a faculty advisor in year two. Students who are completing 1-year certificate programs will be reassigned to a faculty advisor after the completion of their first semester. Additionally, the Student Service Advisors are available to support and assist all students assigned to faculty advisors who are struggling with peripheral issues such as transportation, childcare, etc.

All full-time Trocaire College faculty are responsible for advising students each semester. Full time faculty are required to have three (3) office hours weekly during which they are available for individual conferences and advisement. (Collective Bargaining Agreement, Article XIX, Section E).  Newly hired faculty are not assigned advisees until they complete one full semester at the college and participate in New Faculty Advisor training.  The Coordinator of  Academic Advisement is responsible for assigning student advisees to faculty advisors each semester. Finalized advisee lists will be provided to faculty advisors each semester following the add/drop deadline.

All faculty advisors are expected to:

• Contact every one of their new advisees within the first four weeks of each semester for introductions.  Advisors may use email, phone or face-to-face meetings – whichever means works best for the advisor and the student.
• Meet with all advisees in October for spring/summer registration advisement and in March for fall registration advisement. Meetings may take place via phone, video chat, or email if the student and advisor cannot schedule an in person meeting due to schedule conflicts. Document all meeting notes in the Advisement Dashboard.
• Discuss students’ career and personal goals and specific interest in the major.
• Provide students with an understanding of the major discipline, its options, and how they intersect with the students’ interests and goals.
• Discuss the student’s plan for success for the semester and potential for progressing to the next semester in good standing (use online GPA calculator if necessary).
• Offer an alternate major suggestion if a student is having difficulty reaching the goals for the chosen major.   All program admission requirements are available on the Trocaire College website for each major.
• Document important details of each student meeting in the Advisement Notes section of the Advisement Dashboard in the eFaculty portal.
• Follow up with all Student Action Alerts and Midterm Warning notices that their assigned advisees receive via email or phone – students need to receive a communication from their advisor regarding these notifications to find out: What has the student done in response to the Alert?  Is it possible to be successful in this class or is it better to withdraw?   What is preventing the student from being successful?  Please be sure to record all contacts for academic reasons in your advisor notes.
• Refer students to the Palisano Learning Center for Tutoring and Academic Coaching. Both face-to-face and online tutoring is available. Students must Request a Tutor online to arrange tutoring services. Online tutoring is available through the “24/7” link on the student’s Moodle homepage.
• Unlock advisees for on-line registration following the advisement appointment.

Trocaire students are expected to:

• Identify their assigned academic advisor on the home page of their eStudent portal.
• Meet with their faculty advisor each semester (October/March) to discuss course registration for the next semester and to be unlocked for on-line registration.
• Come prepared to their advisement meeting with questions or material for discussion, i.e., course selections, degree audit, etc.
• Respond to all advisor communications including Student Action Alerts and Mid-Term Warnings.
• Clarify their personal values and goals and provide their advisor with accurate information regarding their interests and goals.
• Acquire the skills needed to assume final responsibility for course scheduling, program planning, and the successful completion of all graduation requirements.
• Be an active learner and gather all relevant decision-making information as suggested by their advisor and course instructors.
• Read their Trocaire.edu email regularly and use the eStudent portal to access important college resources.
• Ask questions if they do not understand an issue or have a specific concern.
• Accept responsibility for their decisions.

FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, is the federal law that governs the release of educational records and access to those records for all educational institutions. Educational records include midterm grades, disciplinary proceedings, and college directory information.

As such, advisors are not to release any information pertaining to student educational records to family members, guardians, or friends unless the student has authorized the release of information to the specific individual on a FERPA waiver. The Registrar’s Office records all FERPA waiver information in CAMS. Advisors should contact the Registrar’s Office for this information before discussing student information with any interested individuals.

Advisors are responsible for unlocking students for the next semester’s registration period after advising students on course selection. To unlock students for registration in eFaculty:

1. Change the term to the appropriate registration term in the top left corner
2. Select Unlock Registration from Registration menu
3. A list of current and former advisees will appear. Unlock only those that have your name listed as the current advisor.
4. Uncheck the box in the Unlock Registration column and Save.

Faculty advisors can also see if a student was unlocked by a staff member in the Advisement & Student Service Center in the far right column. Please do not unlock students with whom you have not met.

To promote a culture committed to personal enrichment and service in the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy and in keeping with the mission, values, and tradition of Trocaire College, students in all programs (Certificate, Associate, Baccalaureate) must complete at least one  MAP learning experience prior to completing their program in order to be eligible to graduate. MAP is a tuition-free, non-credit, value-added, co-curricular learning experience. MAP provides service opportunities that integrate the College’s mission through an action-reflection approach that connects service to a student’s career path.

All advisors are responsible for advising students about the MAP requirement and helping them to identify an appropriate semester to enroll in the course. MAP 100 is offered each fall, spring, and summer semester. Questions about the MAP program should be directed to Chief Mission Officer who is located in the Mercy Center across the street from the Choate campus.

Students experiencing academic difficulty and those on academic probation are often those most in need of careful advising; however, they are also the students least likely to seek out their advisors, or to follow through on the advice provided to them. Challenges aside, many advisors find that helping these students succeed can be the most rewarding advising experience.

Many students facing academic difficulty lack specific skills such as time management, proper study habits, or self-discipline. They are usually reluctant to seek help, and do not know what resources are available to assist them. However, if they are willing to make a commitment to change old habits and learn new skills, they can learn the strategies that are needed to be successful academically.

Advisors play a critical role by offering their assistance to these students. Additionally, the Palisano Learning Center specifically outreaches to students on academic probation to provide an additional level of support. Advisors should feel comfortable referring students to the Advisement & Student Service Center and/or the Palisano Learning Center for questions regarding their status, or the resources available to assist them.

Additionally, faculty concerned about the overall well-being of a student can submit a Student Action Form located in e-Faculty. The form will be routed to the student’s assigned academic advisor for follow-up with the student. In addition, the Wellness Center is also a good resource for students in distress who need to speak with a personal counselor.

When working with students on academic probation, please encourage them to do the following to help improve their academic standing at the college:

• Seek additional advisement. Students typically register for their next semester before they know they are on academic probation. After final grades are posted, they may need to adjust next semester’s schedule. Students should meet with their faculty advisor or an advisor in the Advisement & Student Service Center for assistance.
• Be honest about their progress in courses. If something is not going well they should discuss it with their advisor ASAP to decide the best course of action. Advisors cannot properly assist students if they are not properly informed of the situation.
• Utilize tutoring services early and often. Students should not wait until they are failing to seek assistance. Being proactive is the smart thing to do!
• Be truthful with their instructors about utilizing tutors. Do not tell them they have been working with a tutor if they have not.
• Be sure to meet regularly with the Academic Coach in the Palisano Learning Center.
• Take advantage of academic success workshops offered by the Palisano Learning Center.
• Get to know their instructors. Faculty are their number one resource for information and assistance in their particular courses. Stay after class to introduce themselves, ask questions and visit during office hours to go over course content.
• Evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. Knowing themselves and what they need to work on is half the battle. Seek assistance with improving those particular challenges right away.
• Reward themselves for getting favorable grades, making improvements, and completing “to-do” lists.
• Break large projects and papers down into sections to help with time management
• Work ahead. If they have a light week, look at their schedule to identify work and reading they can accomplish ahead of time. This will help alleviate stress during busy weeks.
• Set goals and outline how they will achieve them. Having clearly defined goals will help them focus on what they need to do.
• Ask questions and ask for help! There are no stupid questions and there is no shame in asking for help when needed. Many people at Trocaire want to help our students be successful.

Instructors are to submit Student Action Alerts for students in their courses when there is concern over their performance, participation and success in the course or a student’s health and wellness. When submitted, the student and assigned academic advisor are notified via email. Advisors are expected to follow-up with the alert via the Follow-Up Action Form tab in eFaculty, and advise the student to use appropriate resources to improve their chance of completing the course successfully.

Instructors are to submit midterm grades for all students. Midterm grades are available to students approximately three weeks before the withdrawal deadline so the student can make an educated decision on whether to complete the course or withdraw. Students who receive midterm grades of C- and below should discuss their academic standing with their course instructor. These students should also meet with their advisor to talk through the situation and evaluate any consequences of the decision either to complete the course or to withdraw. If withdrawal is necessary, students need to submit a course withdrawal form, available in their eStudent portal, for each course to be withdrawn.

Any student requesting to withdraw from a course or the college must discuss the decision and potential consequences of the withdrawal with their academic advisor. Students should first discuss any potential course withdrawals with their course instructor(s) to determine their academic status in the course(s). In cases where course withdrawal is necessary, students should be directed to complete the online Course Withdrawal or College Withdrawal Form located in their eStudent portal. Students should also meet with their financial aid advisor to discuss any impact the withdrawal may have on their future financial aid eligibility.

Students who know they will not enroll for the next semester but plan to return the following semester are encouraged to complete a Leave of Absence form to maintain their student status at the college for their return semester. Students should be directed to complete the online Leave of Absence form on the Registrar’s web page. The information is useful for advisors and program directors to contact students when registration opens for the next semester.

Students are required to submit an online Program Transfer form for their intended department the semester before they expect to start the program. Program Transfer forms are to be completed by November 1 for the spring semester and April 1 for the fall semester. Intended Nursing students must first take the A2 Nursing Entrance Exam. The Program Transfer form is located on the Advisement & Student Service Center web page.

Most program decisions are made after the semester ends once final grades are posted. Students receive program acceptance emails and letters indicating the steps they need to take to register for their program specific courses. Registration assistance may be obtained by a scheduled or walk-in appointment with a Student Service Advisor. Students will register for their courses via the online registration system.

Depending on the type of financial aid students receive, some students must maintain full-time status (minimum of 12 credit hours) each semester in order to receive their full financial aid award. At times, this is not possible for students who do not have enough courses remaining in their academic programs. Some students in this situation may complete a Change in Status form to add a General Studies dual degree that will allow them to take additional Liberal Arts courses each semester to attain full time status, however, this option may not apply to students with many transfer credits.

• Students may add and drop open courses via the on-line registration system through the first week of the semester for 15-week courses. See the academic calendar for specific add/drop deadlines for all 5, 7,10, and 15 week courses.
• Students may meet with a Student Service Advisor for assistance with add/drop
• Students who receive instructor permission to add a closed course must work with the instructor to submit permission directly to the Registrar’s Office to add the course.
• The Withdrawal period immediately follows the add/drop deadline.

• The weeks following the Add/Drop deadline through the last day of the thirteenth week constitute the withdrawal period (W). See the academic calendar for specific dates each semester.
• It is the responsibility of the student to meet with his/her course instructor and academic advisor to discuss the consequences of withdrawing from any course.
• Students are responsible for discussing any impact the withdrawal may have on their financial aid package with their financial aid advisor before submitting the form.
• The electronic Course Withdrawal form is available in the eStudent portal.
• Students who wish to withdraw from a course that has a co-requisite requirement, i.e., BIO 130 and BIO 130 lab, must also withdraw from the co-requisite course even if the student has been successful in the course throughout the semester. Students must submit Course Withdrawal forms for both courses.
• A grade of “W” counts as an attempt at taking the course, which may affect the number of times the student, can repeat the course.
• No course withdrawals are permitted after the thirteenth week of the semester.
• A student who stops attending classes and exceeds the amount of allowable unexcused absences will automatically receive a grade of “WA” and be withdrawn from the course.
• In this case, the student will be liable for full tuition and fees as originally incurred.  Non-attendance will not release the student from financial liability.

In order to withdraw from the college, a student must first discuss their plans with their academic advisor and then complete the electronic College Withdrawal form available in the eStudent Portal. The date of official withdrawal from the college is the date on which the form is completed. Official withdrawal forms must be processed through the Registrar’s Office. The student’s financial status will be reviewed during the withdrawal process. The college reserves the right to request the withdrawal of any student whose academic work is unsatisfactory or conduct not in accord with the spirit and aims of the college.

• A student in good academic standing, with a GPA of 2.0 or higher, who wishes to take a Leave of Absence must request this in writing by completing the Leave of Absence form.
• In any calendar year, a student may be granted no more than one leave, and ordinarily it may not extend beyond one full semester.
• A student who does not return at the end of a Leave of Absence will be considered withdrawn from the college. This withdrawal will be effective as of the beginning date of the Leave of Absence.
• Except for serious reasons, a Leave of Absence will not be granted after Add & Drop day in each semester.
• Students granted a Leave of Absence for medical reasons must have a doctor’s release to return to the college.
• The electronic Leave of Absence Form is available on the Registrar’s Office webpage.

• Students may repeat a course in instances where they have received grades of C-; D+; D; F; FX; W; WF; and U when a program’s policy requires a minimum grade of C.
• A grade of W in any course counts as an attempt at taking a course but does not count as a failure.
• Students will be allowed to repeat a course for which they have received a grade of W only once.  Students may repeat a course only once, unless they have a signed authorization from the director of the academic program in which they are enrolled to repeat a course for the second time.
• In cases of repeated courses, the last grade earned is used in computing the grade point average (GPA). However, all grades earned for courses taken at Trocaire remain part of the student’s permanent record.
• If a student chooses to repeat a course that he/she has passed but want to improve the grade, the credits for the repeated course cannot be included in determining a student’s full-time status for the purpose of awarding New York State TAP.
• Students may not take a Directed Study, Independent Study, or Challenge Exam to replace a course in which a failing grade was earned.

An Incomplete grade is given only for a good and sufficient reason as determined by the instructor. It is completed in a manner determined by mutual agreement of student and instructor. An Incomplete must be removed from the student’s record within 30 calendar days after the Incomplete was received, or it will automatically convert to an F. The 30-day completion requirement can be waived, under extenuating circumstances, with written permission of the VP of Academic Affairs. Students submit incomplete grade requests to a course instructors via their eStudent portal.

A student is in good academic standing if he/she is matriculated at this institution and is considered by the faculty to be making satisfactory progress toward a degree or certificate.

Academic probation results when a student’s semester grade point average (GPA) falls below 2.0. A student placed on academic probation is expected to meet with the Academic Coach in the Palisano Learning Center to discuss the student’s academic progress. The student should make this appointment as soon as possible.

Academic dismissal from the College and loss of matriculation results from any of the following:

• Falling below the cumulative grade point average indicated for dismissal on the chart below.
• Failing (F or FX) three (3) or more courses in a single semester.
• Showing withdrawal (W or WF) from more than one half of courses attempted in two consecutive semesters not counting summer.
• Being placed on academic probation for two consecutive semesters not counting summer.

Dismissed students may not re-apply to the College for readmission for a period of one (1) calendar year. Any extenuating circumstances will be reviewed by the Chief Academic Officer upon request by the student.

The Palisano Learning Center (PLC) offers academic support to all enrolled students free of charge. Through the PLC, students can access individual, group, and online tutoring in a myriad of course areas. For students seeking specialized skill development, academic mentors are available upon request. In addition, the PLC offers workshops each semester on a variety of topics including time management, test-taking and note-taking strategies, learning styles, resume writing, and more.  The PLC houses a staffed Health Sciences Lab complete with nursing and health science related resources including anatomical models for student use. The PLC is located in the Library on the 4th floor of the Choate Campus.

Career Services provides comprehensive career exploration and preparation services for Trocaire College students and alumni. Assistance is available in the following areas: assessing career direction and career options; full and part-time job search; creating resumes and cover letters; and practicing job interview skills. Additionally, Career Services hosts several opportunities for students to meet directly with employers each semester.

The Wellness Center offers comprehensive services and programming to promote student success and healthy lifestyle choices. Counseling Services, Health Records, Accessibility Services, and wellness programming are functionalities under the auspices of the Wellness Center.  In an effort to sustain healthy living, services and programming are offered year round. Students may also visit the Wellness Center for resources related to physical and emotional wellbeing, as well as being referred to community-based organizations who can assist them. In addition, the Wellness Center coordinates the Sister Sally Walz, RSM  Student Emergency Fund  to assist students who are working towards success, but have an urgent financial need that is a keeping them from reaching their goals.

The Wellness Center is located in room 118 on the Choate campus.

The Student Engagement/Student Life Office provides students with the opportunity for co-curricular involvement in an inclusive, student-centered environment. Whether students are seeking involvement in student government, programming, clubs/organizations, or participating in the many activities and events offered, Student Engagement/Life provides access and opportunity for all students.  In addition, student’s professional skills are enriched through leadership and multicultural & inclusion workshops in order to ensure success after completion of their educational journey at Trocaire.  Veteran students are supported through specialized programming at Trocaire. From Orientation to Commencement, Student Life supports student success.

The office is located in room 141 on the Choate Campus.

The office of Mission, Ministry & Service exists to serve and advance the mission of the college on all levels of institutional life.

• On the administrative level by orienting students and staff to our mission as a Catholic and Mercy institution and by helping to craft and implement policies that align with our values and support students as they aspire to careers of achievement and lives of purpose.
• On the ministerial level by designing programs that promote the education and development of the whole person (mind, body, spirit).
• Coordination of the Mercy Action Project (MAP). MAP is a graduation requirement for all students and provides service opportunities that integrate the College’s mission through an action-reflection approach that connects service to a student’s career path.
• Through active engagement with the surrounding community via volunteer and service learning projects that enrich student learning while serving the common good.

The office is located in the Mercy Center across the street from the Choate campus.