3,051: Academic Advising

Revised: May 2021

All University freshmen are required to meet with an academic advisor from their college during their first and second semesters. This requirement is enforced by an academic advising hold. The first meeting will occur during orientation, the second during their first semester. Some colleges require meeting with an advisor for additional semesters. If the student enters the University as Exploratory they will meet with an advisor in the Exploratory & Pre-Professional Advising Center.

The mechanism by which advising is provided to students may vary by academic unit. However, it is the responsibility of faculty and staff who serve as advisors to:

1. Be knowledgeable about the curriculum requirements for the program(s) for which they advise
2. Assist students in selecting appropriate classes and developing an academic plan that meets degree requirements
3. Assist students in linking program requirements with relevant career and other post-graduation opportunities
4. Be familiar with campus resources and make appropriate referrals when necessary
5. Support the achievement of campus-wide goals for increasing graduation and retention rates
6. Clarify and provide accurate and timely information about university policies, regulations and procedures
7. Be available and accessible to student advisees on a regular basis
8. Maintain student confidentiality in accordance with FERPA
9. Be proficient in the use of the University’s student information system/computerized advising tools relevant to the advising process