Understanding the Purpose and Importance of Academic Advising
What is academic advising and why is it important to your success? Here are some of the reasons why academic advising is one of the most important resources available to you.
Part of being a successful student is putting time and energy into planning. Academic advisors play a critical role in directing your academic path and can make a significant difference in your college experience.
Academic advisors have a deep understanding of the curriculum, faculty, university rules and regulations, deadlines and academic policies. They can guide you every step of the way by helping you not only select appropriate courses but also determine the correct sequence in which they should be taken. They can help you choose an appropriate major based on your interests, aptitudes and goals in life. They have knowledge of the academic culture and can let you know how to take full advantage of all the opportunities available at your university. Academic advisors are especially important at large universities where it is easy to get lost in a labyrinth of rules and regulations. They can save you time, money and anxiety by helping you plot the right course to graduation.
Academic advisors can be of particular help in determining whether you are enrolling in a balanced course load. This is absolutely crucial to ensure that you have a productive semester.
There may also be times when you will need to adjust your schedule. It is very important to discuss your reasons for adding or dropping a course. Your decision may affect your academic standing and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships, so this must be carefully considered and discussed with an academic advisor who can help you understand the ramifications and make the best decision.
First and second year students normally take most of their general education requirements as well as a few lower division prerequisites for their major. Juniors and Seniors work on fulfilling major requirements and related courses as well as pursuing other interests. Registering for the right classes requires being thoroughly familiar with your declared major degree plan and all of the additional requirements necessary to earn your degree. You academic advisor can help you sort through all these details.
Be prepared for your advising session
Write out your questions and concerns before going to see your Academic Advisor. What issues are you struggling with? The more you know about what sort of help you need, the better your advising session will go. The whole idea is for you and your advisor to work together. So, to the extent that you can know what you need, have your questions prepared in advance and as your conversations take place, be sure you fully understand the advice that is being given. Keep all paperwork from your advising sessions in one place.