Advising handbook now available as Web site

The Undergraduate Advising Handbook, formerly available only in 28-page printed form, is now accessible through a Web site, with the advantage of instant updates as needed.

The address for the site is www.pdx.edu/advising.

The handbook project and the Web site are two parts of a project organized and supervised by Mary Ann Barham, assistant director of the Information and Academic Support Center (IASC), located in Smith Memorial Student Union room 425.

“The information in the book and the Web site are essentially the same,” Barham said. “The difference is long-term. The Web site can be updated weekly, if necessary.”

The timeliness is especially noticeable in two Web site boxes labeled “Events and Deadlines” and “News and Announcements.” The events box, for example, lists study skills workshops presented earlier this week.

The facepage allows users to choose from a menu that includes getting advice, working toward a degree, making a plan, choosing a major and finishing a degree.

In the printed version, all this information is available, but the reader has to skim through the pages to find it. The facepage also includes a box of frequently asked questions, including links.

The “Contact Us” link leads to information on new student orientation and specific advising sources for various majors and co-admission program advising. A site directory in outline form links to every academic program and a number of related destinations.

An advising site map gives the user a compact outline that lists the basic elements of getting advice, working toward a degree, making a plan, choosing a major and finishing a degree. By following the outline, the undergraduate can see exactly what steps lie ahead and what resources are available for each step.

They also provide a direct email link, in the event that your question does not fall into the frequently asked category: [email protected].

The original printed booklet was published in two editions, one last January and one in June. The Web site was launched in September, just before the start of fall term, to provide a continuous flow of current information about advising.

Barham said the remaining 3,000 to 4,000 copies of the booklet still contain relevant information, but the book will not be reprinted or revised. It is still available by request at the IASC office. There is no charge for the book.

Barham said other major informational Web site changes lie just ahead.

“We will have a totally new Portland State home Web site up and running this fall,” Barham said.