Frequently Asked Questions
What is academic advising?
Who performs academic advising?
How do I get assigned an advisor?
When do I declare a major?
Do I get a new advisor when I change majors?
How do I get an advisor if I’m undeclared?
Who should I contact to make sure Pipeline is correctly updated with my major and advisor information?
What does an academic advisor do?
What if I don’t like/take the recommendations of my advisor?
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 advisor?
A: If you have chosen a major, check with the department staff and ask to be assigned an advisor. You may also contact the Academic Advising Center and ask for help getting an advisor.
A: Students may declare a major at any time, and are ordinarily expected to declare a major by the end of the sophomore year. Students may change majors at any time after declaration.
Q: Do I get a new advisor when I change majors?
A: Yes. Please contact the new department staff, or the Academic Advising Center to be assigned a new advisor.
Q: How do I get an advisor if I’m undeclared?
A: Students who have not declared a major are assigned to Mr. Harold Alexander in the Academic Advising Center, where they will be assisted with advising until a major is chosen.
Q: Who should I contact to make sure Pipeline is correctly updated with my major and advisor information?
A: You may contact the Academic Advising Center or the Registrar’s Office and request your information be updated.
Q: What does an academic advisor do?
A: The academic advisor’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
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Check on the student’s academic progress throughout the semester
Q: What if I don’t like/take the recommendations of my advisor?
A: You, the student, are ultimately responsible for all academic choices and decisions; therefore, ignoring an advisor’s recommendation is a choice. It’s a safe assumption that the advisor 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 advisor’s name and office location. We also strongly encourage you to:
- Communicate regularly with your advisor, 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 advisor
- 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.