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The academic advisor plays an important role in guiding and supporting their advisees towards successfully achieving their academic goals. For most programs, students must consult with and obtain the approval of an academic advisor in the development of their schedules for each term and when changing registration (adding or dropping) after the first week of classes. Students can also consult their advisor for clarification of academic policies and procedures and when contemplating changes in their major program or curriculum.

It is important for advisors to keep abreast of changes in University policies and procedures, as well as being familiar with their program curricula, Core Curriculum requirements and other graduation requirements. Advisors should also be familiar with the various support services available on campus and be reasonably available to their advisees in person, via phone or email.

Advisors are typically full-time faculty, though some advising may be done by administrative personnel in the offices of the college or school dean and the professional staff of academic support service programs. First year full-time students are assigned an academic advisor as part of the orientation program. Transfer, adult and part-time advisors have been designated for freshmen, special admission students, undecided students and returning students. These advisors ordinarily work with students for one or two terms. When the student declares and is accepted into a major, a new advisor in that discipline will usually be assigned. A good advising relationship requires that both the student and the advisor be comfortable with each other. Students who are uncomfortable or dissatisfied with their advising relationship may request a change of advisor by contacting their Dean's Office.

Students can determine who has been assigned as their advisor by reviewing the Student Record in My Portal. Students should meet with their advisor at least once per term, prior to registering for classes. It is recommended that students prepare for their advising appointment by reflecting on their academic and career goals. Students should also review their progress towards degree completion by running their Degree Evaluation (in My Portal). Students can also review degree requirements in the University catalog. Students should review the Class Schedule to plan a draft schedule for the upcoming semester to go over with their advisor.

Advisors, counselors, faculty and administrative staff may assist students by explaining requirements and procedures in individual instances. However, students are responsible and accountable for knowledge of the requirements, procedures and regulations set forth in the catalog. A student's catalog term can be found on the Student Profile in My Portal. 

Helpful questions to ask your advisee during an advising session

• How are things going for you this semester?
• Tell me about a class you are enjoying the most.
• What class seems to be the most challenging right now?
• Have your plans or career goals changed in any way?
• Do you have any other obligations (e.g. job, family responsibilities)? If so, how many hours each week? Have you experienced difficulty in balancing these with your academic responsibilities?
• Are you an athlete?  If yes, what sport... and are there practice times we need to try to avoid?
• Consider asking about a student’s interest or engagement with:
  • Clubs or organizations
  • Co-op/internships (refer to Center for Career and Professional Development or individual college/school co-op office as appropriate)
  • Adding a minor or concentration
  • Adding a Language Certificate
  • Study abroad
• Student Support Resources: Are there any resources on campus you want to know more about? They are free!  See University Resources on this website below.
• For seniors: check that they have applied for graduation and ask if they have rsvp’d for commencement. 
• What questions haven’t I asked that would be helpful for us to talk about before we finish?

Additional advising resources can be found:

New Freshman/Transfer Students

International Students