As a Freshman, you were advised by the Academic Advising and Exploration Center. By your Sophomore year, you should be oriented to the University, knowledgeable about general education, and ready to become more involved in your declared major.
At this point, your advising will change. You will now be assigned an advisor who is a faculty member in your major department. This person is a teacher and a professional in the field who can become your mentor. It is up to you to decide what kind of relationship you wish to have with your faculty advisor. Will you just see this person once each semester for approving your courses, or will you take the time to schedule appointments for long term planning, discussions about the field and advice on career planning? Building a relationship can be a rewarding educational experience.
Academic planning
- College requirements
- Specific major requirements
- Selection of a minor (if required)
- Course content
- Focusing within the major
- Course selection and sequencing
- Academic problems or concerns
- Progress toward graduation
- Learning about career paths
Getting the most out of your education
- Internships and projects
- Special study opportunities
- Student organizations
- Career and Graduate School opportunities
Meeting with your advisor
Your advisor is ready to answer any questions related to your university experience. Contact your advisor anytime you need to know where to turn for help or what consequences you should consider when making academic choices.
Although many departments will have a required advising meeting prior to registration, this meeting will likely focus on selecting classes. If you schedule other meetings with your advisor, you will have time for planning and consultation.
One important time to meet with your advisor is when you select your courses each semester. Be prepared, and make your advising time together count.
- Schedule appointments in advance.
- Review your Advising Report (AR) and note areas that are not yet completed.
- Bring your Degree Planning Guide and a copy of your AR to your meeting.
- Review the Schedule of Classes for tentative course selection.
- Come prepared with a list of questions or concerns that you would like to discuss.
- Check the Catalog for policies.
- Follow through on actions that you have discussed.