What is Academic Advising
Advising is an essential cornerstone to your academic success as a student at Martin University. Your advisor is a key resource that can connect you with resources and serve as a guide throughout your academic program. Things your advisor can help with include: reviewing your graduation plan, explaining University policies & procedures, recommending courses each semester, discussing career goals, connecting you with resources to help you succeed, and much more!
Who is my advisor?
Use the following steps or look on your student portal

How do I prepare for an appointment?
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Review your degree audit on your student portal to see what courses you have remaining
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Familiarize yourself with the course offering for the next semester so you have an idea of what is available
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Create a list of questions you want to be sure to discuss with your advisor so you can remember to ask them during the appointment
Advising F.A.Q.
Who is my undergraduate advisor?
During your undergraduate program, your advisor is determined by the amount of credits you have earned.
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30 credits or less are assigned to Jawann Johnson
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31- 89 credits are assigned to Sydney Shackleford
Students with more than 90 credits are assigned to a faculty advisor. Use your major to determine who your faculty advisor is:
Psychology/Addictions Counseling*: J.L. Mize or Dr. Bradford Hathaway
Early Childhood Education/ Teacher Prep*: Dr. Ted Hall or Viveca Carter
Applied Science Software Applications: Dr. Ronnie Hiller
Business Administration: Dawn Moore
Criminal Justice: Michael Mitchell
Liberal Arts: Dr. Martin Greenan
Applied Science Health Administration: Dr. Fayez Komari
* For majors with two faculty advisors listed, advisees are split equally between the advisors. Confirm who your advisor is on your student portal.
Urban Ministry Studies
Sydney Shackelford
Community Psychology
Licensing Track:
Under 30 credits: Sydney Shackelford
30+ credits: Dr. Brian Steuerwald
Non-Licensing Track:
Under 24 credits: Sydney Shackelford
24+ credits: Dr. Brian Steuerwald
Why does my advisor change throughout my time at Martin?
We recognize that the needs of students change throughout their academic career and developed an advising model that reflects those changing needs and allows advisors to focus on specific student populations.
What should I expect from my advisor?
You can expect your advisor to:
Clarify Information & Connect with Resources
- Your advisor is well-versed in the policies and procedures at Martin so they can interpret and explain these to you and how the apply to your situation
- Your advisor can connect you with resources on campus to help you achieve your goals
Create Your Academic Plan
- Your advisor will review your academic progress and major requirements to work with you to create you academic plan to achieve the goal of graduation
See You as an Individual
- Your advisor recognizes that each Martin student is a unique individual and will work to build a relationship with you so that they can best serve you
What expectations does my advisor have for me?
Be Prepared
- Prepare for your advising session and bring questions you have
- Show up for your appointment on time and cancel in advance if you cannot attend
Take Responsibility
- Understand and accept that you are responsible for your education
- Learn and understand Martin's policies, procedures and requirements as outlined in the student catalog
Be Open & Honest
- Share with your advisor so that they are best able to assist you