Advising is an essential part of student success, wellness, and progression at MTSA. Success requires strong academic and clinical performance supported by personal wellbeing.
Prior to enrollment, each student is assigned a CRNA faculty advisor. These assignments are published in the Student Resource Hub prior to the New Student Orientation.
Advising sessions are scheduled throughout semesters 1-9 as follows:
Semesters 1-8 – Weeks 10-13
Semester 9 – As needed
Students who are on academic or clinical probation or identified as struggling will meet with their advisor earlier in the semester.
Prior to each advising session, students are required to complete the self-evaluation form and submit it to the student portal. The form prompts students to identify academic and clinical goals, self-evaluate performance in academic, clinical, and simulation domains, reflect on personal well-being, and identify any referral needs.
During each advising session, the faculty advisor reviews the student's academic performance, clinical progress, simulation performance, overall well-being, and current COA clinical case counts. An action plan is developed as needed, and referrals may be made in the areas of academics, clinical performance, simulation, or wellness. When concerns are identified, the faculty advisor may refer the student to the Program Administrators or other appropriate program resources.
In addition to scheduled advising sessions, students are encouraged to contact their faculty advisor at any time throughout the semester. Faculty advisors maintain open availability to students through email, phone, and office visits and are committed to providing a safe, accessible environment for ongoing dialogue. Informal advising may occur through faculty office hours. Students are not required to wait for a scheduled session to seek guidance, raise concerns, or discuss academic or clinical progress with their advisor.
In addition to scheduled advising sessions, students have ongoing access to informal academic support through direct engagement with course instructors. Full-time and part-time academic faculty members are available to meet with students upon appointment. Faculty contact information, including email addresses, phone numbers, and office hours, is posted in each course syllabus. Students are encouraged to reach out to their instructor of record for course-specific questions, grade concerns, or academic guidance outside of the formal advising schedule. Faculty members are expected to respond to student communications within two MTSA business days.
All advising conversations are held in confidence and discretion in accordance with FERPA regulations, and completed advising records are maintained in a secure, semester-specific tracker, as well as in the Student Information System.
At the conclusion of each semester advising cycle, students will receive an official email notification confirming the completion of their advising process. This communication serves as documentation that all required advising steps have been fulfilled for the semester. Students are responsible for reviewing this email and retaining it for their records, as it may be used to verify advising compliance when needed.
Advising Referral Protocol
To ensure students receive appropriate and timely support, the following referral protocol will be used during the advising process:
1. Academic, Clinical, and Mental Health Referrals
Any concerns or needs related to academic or clinical performance or mental health support will be referred to the Program Administrator or Assistant Program Administrators.
External referrals will also be communicated to the Executive Vice President.
The advisor will document the concern and initiate the referral through a separate email communication.
The designated administrator will follow up with the student to assess needs, provide guidance, and coordinate any necessary resources or services.
2. Simulation Referrals
Any referrals related to simulation activities, remediation, or enhanced learning experiences will be directed to the Director of Simulation.
The advisor will initiate this referral via a separate email outlining the student’s needs and relevant context.
The Director of Simulation will communicate directly with the student regarding scheduling, expectations, and follow-up.
3. Communication and Documentation
All referrals will be managed through separate email communications to ensure clarity, confidentiality, and timely response.
Students are responsible for monitoring their email and responding promptly to any outreach related to referrals.
Referral activity may be documented as part of the advising record for continuity of support.
Although the advising cycle has been formally completed, students are encouraged to reach out to their assigned advisor at any time if questions, concerns, or additional support needs arise.
Students will evaluate the quality of advising and mentorship provided by their faculty advisors at the conclusion of each academic year.