Frequently Asked Questions
What is academic advising?
Who performs academic advising?
How do I get assigned an adviser?
When do I declare a major?
Do I get a new adviser when I change majors?
How do I get an adviser if I’m undeclared?
Who should I contact to make sure Pipeline is correctly updated with my major and adviser information?
What does an academic adviser do?
What if I don’t like/take the recommendations of my adviser?
What is an advisee’s role in the academic advising process?
What is the difference between dropping a course and withdrawing from one?
A: Offering assistance to students in choosing courses by providing information about Liberal Arts (General Education) requirements, majors, various academic programs and academic policies and procedures. Students are also referred to other offices or resources on campus when appropriate.
Q: Who performs academic advising?
A: Faculty members serve as academic advisers and should approve all course schedules. Students are assigned to faculty in their majors or preprofessional fields.
Q: How do I get assigned an adviser?
A: When you declare your major by submitting the Student Information Change form in the Registrar Forms box on the Student Tab in Pipeline, the Office of the Registrar will assign an adviser in your area of major.
A: Students may declare a major at any time, and are ordinarily expected to declare a major by the end of the sophomore year. After completion of 50 hours of undergraduate studies and before completing 60 hours of undergraduate studies, students must complete a degree evaluation with their academic adviser and take the signed evaluation to the Office of the Registrar. This requires that the student has a declared major. The Office of the Registar places a hold on students who do not have a degree evaluation on file. This hold may prevent registration for the following semester and cannot be removed until the form is completed and submitted to the Office of the Registrar. Students may change majors at any time after declaration.
Q: Do I get a new adviser when I change majors?
A: Yes. The Office of the Registrar will assign a new adviser when a major is changed. Students may check their major and adviser information in Pipeline on the Student Tab in the Academic Profile box.
Q: How do I get an adviser if I’m undeclared?
A: Students who have not declared a major are assigned to the Director of the Academic Advising Center where they will be assisted with advising until a major is chosen. Career Counseling and Learning Enhancement Strategies are also available.
Q: Who should I contact to make sure Pipeline is correctly updated with my major and adviser information?
A: If you submitted your change of major in Pipeline using the Student Information Change form in the Registrar Forms box on the Student Tab and the information is not updated within five (5) working days, please email the Office of the Registrar at registrar@harding.edu. Most of the time, updates will occur quickly unless the changes are made when the offices are closed during holidays.
Q: What does an academic adviser do?
A: The academic adviser’s role in the academic advising process is to:
- Be accessible
- Develop a caring relationship with advisees
- Be knowledgeable about academic requirements, including being familiar with the catalog
- Help students define and develop realistic educational goals and career plans
- Assist students in planning a program consistent with abilities and interests and in selecting a course of study
- Inform students about special services available to them, including the Career Center, Academic Resources Center, Writing Lab, etc.
- Assist in making out a semester schedule
-
Check on the student’s academic progress throughout the semester
Q: What if I don’t like/take the recommendations of my adviser?
A: You, the student, are ultimately responsible for all academic choices and decisions; therefore, ignoring an adviser’s recommendation is a choice. It’s a safe assumption that the adviser is more knowledgeable than you about your major and academic policies, which could in turn create problems in meeting graduation requirements. If you feel unsure about your advising, feel free to contact the chairman of the department for a second opinion.
Q: What is an advisee’s role in the academic advising process?
A: Being informed of your adviser’s name and office location. Students may use the "People Search" option on the Home Tab in Pipeline to get contact information for academic advisers. We also strongly encourage you to:
- Communicate regularly with your adviser, including before registration to review your prospective schedule and course of study
- Have an understanding of university polices, procedures, and degree and graduation requirements as outlined in the undergraduate catalog and student handbook
- Actively participate in the advising process in a cooperative manner
- Prepare for advising sessions, bring appropriate resources or materials, and a list of any questions or concerns
- Accept ultimate responsibility for your educational progress and career decisions
- Be open and honest with your adviser
- Follow through on actions identified during each advising session
Q: What is the difference between dropping a course and withdrawing from one?
A: When you drop a course on or before the deadline, the course does not appear on your permanent transcript. When you withdraw from a course on or before the withdrawal deadline, a W will appear on your transcript. The drop and withdrawal dates are published each semester by the Office of the Registrar. Please note: you may still have financial obligations regarding these courses. Refer to Business Office or Student Financial Services for more information.