Student advising once a year is not beneficial to the majority of the students.   With ARCH, there are constraints on the students that require specific pre reqs.  

Students  who come in with TONS of  AP credit and have finished their freshman classes should transition to the department sooner than Sophomore year.

Students who are struggling, should be meeting with their advisor more often (every semester) so that we can look at loading, discuss strengths and weaknesses to tailor their loading to increase the odds that they will be successful. 

Good advising is important to student success.  Often some students need more contact for career advice as well.  I know that it is tougher for the advisors, but for students below 2.7, and given the tuition that is being paid it is an important for their success.