Getting the Most out of Academic Advising

Who is my Academic Advisor?

Few students are assigned an advisor. Most students can select an advisor whom they like to work with or see the first available advisor each visit.

Contact information:

Why should I see an Academic Advisor?

  • To assist you in making academic and career choices or to receive more information about a particular major.
  • To inform you of degree requirements.
  • To assist you in developing strategies to improve your academic performance.
  • To explain and refer you to campus resources.

What should I ask my Academic Advisor?

  • How do I find out more about academic majors and career possibilities?
  • What options do I have if I do not like my major? What courses complete my degree requirements?
  • How do I enhance my study skills?
  • What is an elective course?
  • How many credits should I take?
  • What do you think about this tentative course schedule?
  • What can I do if I am having trouble in a course?
  • Should I drop or add a course?

When Should I Visit my Advisor?

  • Before registration begins
  • Mid-semester to discuss next semester
  • Whenever you have a question or problem which might affect your academic success

Tips about Obtaining Help

  • Do not be afraid or ashamed to ask for help. No one is perfect, nobody knows all the answers, and everyone needs help at one time or another.
  • Be responsible and balanced in your activities and goals. Set goals according to what you are capable of doing and have a balance between study and social activities. Too much or too little is not healthy.
  • Seek help ONLY from a person best qualified to give it. Close friends or relatives are usually full of “good advice” but often lack the recent experience of college to offer you the best advice.
  • Do not put off asking for help until it’s too late. Go for help with a problem when you first realize that you may need assistance.
  • Be open-minded. Accept information and advice from qualified persons with an open mind and heart.
  • Learn from your mistakes. Instead of taking offense and /or blaming others for your failures or mistakes, look at how your attitude, your choices, your performance contributed to the situation.
  • Show respect and consideration for the person trying to help you. See an advisor during regular office hours or your regular appointment time. Be punctual. Do not miss appointments.