The Advising Process

(What Entering Students Are Told)

Important Pieces to the Puzzle

Academic success and persistence are enhanced by an academic advising process which includes:

• Exploration of life goals
• Exploration of career/educational goals
• Selection of an educational program
• Selection of courses
• Scheduling of classes

Expectations

Advisors: It is important to recognize that academic advising is more than class 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 contribute your share to make it work effectively.

Students: 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 be a personal resource for your academic, career and life goals. In turn, 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 goals.

Advisor Assignment

You will be assigned an academic advisor from the department in which you major. If you are undecided about a major, an academic counselor from the LAS Advising Center will advise you. If you need to talk with an advisor before the start of the semester, contact the LAS Advising Center or the department or college office that houses that major.