Academic Advising

In order to be successful in your academic career, it is essential to stay informed, plan effectively, and engage in proactive, positive decision-making and problem-solving. Your academic advisor is here to help!

Academic advising is a partnership between student and academic advisor, and includes shared decision-making and responsibility. Make sure to meet with your academic advisor regularly to ensure that you are on the right track.

OFFICE OF ACADEMIC ADVISING


Strategies for a Successful Advising Relationship

Plan ahead! Schedule appointments with your academic advisor well ahead of registration periods. This allows you time to meet with your advisor and helps you to avoid frustrating waits and missed opportunities.

Know your resources! Often, students can find the answers to their questions on their own. Become familiar with and regularly access websites, HS Portal, catalogs, and handbooks.

Responsibilities in the Advising Relationship

Students are active partners in the advising relationship, and as such, should:

  • Gather all relevant decision-making information

  • Identify and understand personal values and goals

  • Become knowledgeable about policies, procedures, and requirements

  • Accept responsibility for decisions

 

Student Responsibilities

   

Academic Advisor Responsibilities

•   Contact and keep in touch with your academic advisor

•   Make and keep appointments. Call if it is necessary to change or cancel an appointment

•   Come with specific questions in mind

•   Come with necessary materials (pen, class schedule, curriculum sheet, forms, etc.)

•   Ask about other sources of information

•   Be open concerning school work, study habits, and academic progress

•   Build a schedule free of conflicts in time

•   Make decisions concerning choice of major, career, and selection of courses
 

•   Notify students of office hours

•   Keep appointments. Call if it is necessary to change or cancel an appointment

•   Provide accurate and specific information

•   Have resource material on hand (websites, handouts, forms, etc.)

•   Suggest other sources of information

•   Listen and help you solve problems

•   Check your schedule for appropriate selection of courses

•   Make suggestions concerning choice of major, career, and selection of courses

References

  1. How you and your advisor will work together. (1981, July). Undergraduate Advising Center, University of Iowa.

  2. The American College Testing Program. (1979b). p. 13.

  3. Ford, J. (n.d.). Example University Advising Handbook.