Regulations Governing the Academic Advisor System of the MSc Programme in “Applied Nursing Science” of the Department of Nursing
Article 1. Appointment of the Academic Advisor
The Academic Advisor for each postgraduate student is proposed by the Coordinating Committee of the MSc Programme and approved by the Department Assembly.
The Academic Advisor is appointed at the beginning of the student's studies and aims to provide effective support and guidance to postgraduate students on matters relating to their academic progress.
Article 2. Principles and Objectives of the Academic Advisor System
Throughout the duration of the Programme, the Academic Advisor provides guidance, advice, and recommendations and, wherever possible, assists students in resolving difficulties or problems they may encounter. These may concern academic matters or personal circumstances that adversely affect their studies.
The following categories of teaching staff are eligible to be appointed as Academic Advisors:
a) Faculty members (Teaching and Research Staff) and Laboratory Teaching Staff of the Department or other Departments of the same or another Higher Education Institution (HEI), in the case of interinstitutional programmes.
b) Professors Emeriti or retired faculty members of the Department or other Departments of the same or another Higher Education Institution.
c) Affiliated professors.
All individuals appointed as Academic Advisors must hold a doctoral degree (PhD).
Following a decision by the competent governing body of the MSc Programme, faculty members and Laboratory Teaching Staff of the Department who are not involved in teaching activities within the Programme may also be appointed as Academic Advisors.
Article 3. Role and Responsibilities of the Academic Advisor
The Academic Advisor is responsible for supporting students in matters relating to their studies within the MSc Programme. The Advisor maintains direct communication with the students assigned to them, providing guidance and assistance in addressing problems that may hinder the learning process.
More specifically, the Academic Advisor has the following responsibilities:
Advises postgraduate students on the selection of elective courses most appropriate to their academic interests and educational development.
Provides guidance on academic and/or personal difficulties affecting students' studies and, in collaboration with the Coordinating Committee, seeks appropriate solutions.
Works with students to select the topic of their Master's Dissertation and provides guidance throughout its preparation and completion.
Proposes the other two members of the three-member Examination Committee responsible for evaluating the Master's Dissertation.
Advises students on opportunities for pursuing further studies at doctoral level (PhD), either within the Department or at institutions abroad.
Provides guidance on career prospects following completion of postgraduate studies, including employment opportunities in the public and private sectors, self-employment, and professional opportunities abroad.
Change of Academic Advisor
A student may request a change of Academic Advisor by completing the relevant Complaints and Appeals Form in the following circumstances:
When the Academic Advisor's field of expertise is not sufficiently relevant to the student's academic interests or field of study.
In exceptional cases involving serious personal reasons.
In such cases, the student must submit the relevant Complaints and Appeals Form and a justified written request directly to the Coordinating Committee, explaining the reasons for the proposed change.
The Coordinating Committee examines the request and, if it considers the reasons justified, forwards it to the Department Assembly for approval.
Article 4. Students' Responsibilities
Ideally, postgraduate students are encouraged to develop constructive mentoring relationships with all members of the MSc Programme throughout their studies.
However, with regard to their appointed Academic Advisor, students are expected to fulfil the following responsibilities:
Familiarise themselves with the role and responsibilities of the Academic Advisor, as well as the regulations and procedures governing the MSc Programme.
Understand and comply with the requirements for enrolment, study progression, and seminar attendance.
Recognise that they remain ultimately responsible for the academic decisions and choices they make throughout their postgraduate studies.
Contact their Academic Advisor in advance by email to arrange meetings, taking into consideration the Advisor's designated days and hours of availability.
Attend scheduled meetings punctually and provide timely notification if they are unable to attend.
In exceptional circumstances, a new Academic Advisor may be appointed following a documented and justified request submitted by either the student or the Academic Advisor.
Article 5. Protection of Personal Data
All discussions between students and their Academic Advisors are strictly confidential.
Academic Advisors are responsible for safeguarding students' personal data and ensuring the confidentiality of information disclosed during advisory meetings.
The obligation to maintain confidentiality remains in effect even after the Academic Advisor's term of service has ended.
