Academic Advising
in the
LAS Advising Center

Making connections to your future

Who are the LAS Advising Center Students?
LAS Advising Center students are over 6,000 strong and include new high school graduates, parents returning to complete degrees, career oriented people wanting to upgrade skills or certifications, and mid-career changers who want to take a fresh look at possibilities. LAS Advising Center students also include high school and college guest students and senior citizens.

How do deciding (exploratory) degree bound and non-degree students get advising assistance?
Appointments are required and may be made with our receptionist on Monday and Tuesday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on Wednesday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

When is the best time to see my advisor?
Anytime you have a question, a concern or want some feedback or ideas about your academic and/or career plans. Make an appointment and s/he will set aside that time just for you.

Advising Expectations

It is important to recognize that academic advising is more than schedule building. It is a shared relationship between you and your advisor -- an essential part of your University experience. As with any good relationship, you must participate actively to make it work effectively.

What are my advisor's responsibilities?
You can expect your advisor to listen and respond to your interests and concerns, to accept you as a unique person, to be reasonably accessible, to know policies and procedures and where to find information, and to help you sort through your academic, career and life goals and options.

What are my responsibilities in advising?
You are expected to initiate and maintain contact with your advisor; to discuss information that may affect your academic performance (such as work and family commitments); to learn basic university, college and departmental requirements and to recognize your responsibility for meeting them; and to seek assistance when you need it. A good academic advising relationship promotes achievement of your educational and career goals.

Resources Available to
LAS Advising Center Students

• New student orientation to help you get off to the best start possible;

• Academic advising for educational and career planning;

• Instructional programs to strengthen academic and career skills;

• Special programs and resource materials to equip you and maximize your success; and above all,

• Faculty and staff who care about you and your success;

• LAS Advising Center website includes advisor bios, General Education Program Handbook and other publications and links to academic and career information: advising.wichita.edu

The WSU Catalog: Do I have to memorize it?
Not really. However, you are responsible for fulfilling the requirements and abiding by the academic policies and procedures listed. Your advisor can help you interpret these and point out the ones directly affecting you. Copies of the WSU catalog are available to participants in WSU Orientation Programs or for purchase at the WSU Bookstore in the Rhatigan Student Center.

Degree Audit: What is it and how can I get one?
Simply, it is a computer-generated checksheet which lists course requirements you have met and those which remain to be completed in general education and later, in your major. Ask your advisor for a personal copy or come to the LAS Advising Center Office Records Counter and request one. They are free to you.

The General Education Handbook: What is it and where can I find one?
It is the best place to get information about the General Education Program and courses within it because it contains more detailed information about General Education courses than the Catalog or any other resource. For example, you can find out why a particular course is offered, what kinds of assessment are used, etc. Reference copies are available in college offices and on the World Wide Web at our website. You may purchase copies at the campus Bookstore.

What courses does LAS Advising Center offer to help students get off to a great start?

• LAS I 100, PASS Program for new Student Athletes (2 hours)
• LAS I 100A, Returning Adult Seminar (1 hour)
• LAS I 101, Introduction to the University (3 hours)
• LAS I 102, Career Exploration (2 hours)
• LAS I 150D, Major Career Path (1 hour)

See an advisor or the Schedule of Courses for information and times.

Three simple things will help you be
successful at this or any university:

1. Talk to your professors and advisors to help you see how your coursework is relevant to your needs, interests, and goals. Learn what is unique about each subject that will help you better understand its contribution to the world of knowledge and your life.
2. Make every effort to interact with faculty. Make an appointment with each faculty member and be prepared with a few questions to help get the conversation going. You will feel more connected to WSU if you do this.
3. Get to know others in your classes. Join study groups even if it is not your favorite way to study. It will help you connect with other learners and benefit from their perspectives and understandings of the class.

Some things to do BEFORE
you meet with your advisor:

• be sure you have your copies of your records with you so that you can compare them to what the advisor has
• have a list of questions you want to ask or concerns you would like to have addressed, e.g. how long will it take to graduate, how do I find out about majors, courses, resources, etc.
• remind your advisor of what you discussed last time
• be candid, tell your advisor what things may be affecting your ability to do your best coursework

Special Information

How do I preregister and register for classes as a student in the LAS Advising Center?
Make an appointment with your advisor. If you're not sure who your assigned advisor is, just call the LAS Advising Center Receptionist at WSU-3700.

When can I transfer to a degree college?
When a specific major is declared.

What is . . .

Transition Semester?
A forgiveness semester for first semester freshmen at WSU who earn less than a 2.00 GPA. See your advisor for details.

Replacement Repeat Policy?
Five course grades may be replaced to demonstrate recent achievement. See your advisor for details.

Exceptions Committee?
Talk with your advisor if you think past or present events are affecting your academic success. There may be sufficient documentable cause to grant you an exception to regulations.

For further information or assistance, or
if you have difficulty connecting with your advisor, contact:

Dr. Barbara Mason, Director
barbara.mason@wichita.edu

Kindra Brooks, Records Secretary
kindra.brooks@wichita.edu

LAS Advisors

Wichita State University
LAS Advising Center
115 Grace Wilkie Hall
Wichita, KS 67260-0006
Phone (316) WSU-3700, FAX (316) WSU-3858

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