Academic Advisors

Undergraduate advising team:

Advisors offices are located in the ECE office at 205 Dreese Laboratories. ECE advisors are available to meet with student by appointment only. Appointments are scheduled by students online. [make an appointment online] 

To make the most of your advising appointment, ECE advisors have divided responsibilities according to student program level.    

• Susan Noble, Academic Program Administrator, 614-292-2843 
  Susan advises students nearing the end of their undergraduate program. Those who are petitioning to graduate should see Susan at least two semesters in advance. She also works with students who are trying to be reinstated into the ECE Department. Additionally, Susan will work with students with transfer credit.
   
• Alissa Kasmer, Academic Program Coordinator, 614-688-4087
  Alissa advises the middle program students, meaning new transfer students and students ready to apply to and enter the major. Also students in the major before they apply to graduate can see Alissa for assistance.  
   
• Rachael Habash, Undergraduate Academic Advisor, 614-688-1705
  Rachael advises the middle program students, meaning new transfer students and students ready to apply to and enter the major. Also students in the major before they apply to graduate can see Rachael for assistance.  

Advising FAQs

What is my role as the student in the advising partnership?

Your role is to:

• know and complete program requirements
• know how academic actions affect your status, re: financial aid, insurance, visa, probation
• prepare for advising appointments and be an active participant in the advising process
• share information, ask questions, know options
• audit academic records regularly
• maintain a file of advising materials
• seek help before a situation escalates into a crisis

What is the advisor’s role in the advising partnership?
The advisor’s role is to:

• provide accurate information
• interpret policies and procedures
• listen to problems and concerns
• make referrals for other services
• assist with appropriate course selection
• help with goal setting
• encourage career exploration

  

Why would I meet with an academic advisor?
Students meet with their academic advisors to:

• request information about academic programs. Advice about the technical content of any courses is not given; instead the student is referred to the appropriate faculty members who are better able to give such advice
• clarify policies and procedures
• understand degree requirements
• monitor progress toward a degree
• verify transfer credits
• research careers, internships and co-op programs
• discuss academic problems
• investigate other majors
• share personal concerns that are affecting your studies
• register for or drop classes if you’re unable to do this yourself

Do I need an appointment or can I do a walk-in meeting with an advisor?
Walk-ins are available the first two weeks of the term, Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 until 11:30, and on the 10th week Friday which is the last day to drop a full-term course. All other times to meet with an advisor is by appointment. [make an appointment online]

• Before meeting with an advisor, develop a list of questions you have and bring something to take notes with. If it takes you 10 minutes to set up your electronic equipment, don’t bring it. Take notes on something else and add it to your advising spreadsheet or notes later.  
• Print out a copy of your Degree Audit Report (DARS) and have notes and questions ready regarding it.
• Have forms completed appropriately.
• If you’re a new transfer student, have syllabi of courses from your previous institution and unofficial transcripts or grade reports accessible. Make sure all transcripts have been sent to the Transfer Credit Center for official evaluation. 
• If you’re a new freshman, make sure all PSEO or AP credit has been sent it and evaluated so an advisor can have a clear picture of your courses. 
• Remember, making progress toward a degree is a student’s responsibility. Academic advisors provide information and serve as consultants but a student must understand degree requirements and know when and how these requirements will be satisfied.   

• The first two weeks of a semester
• Once scheduling for the following semester begins
• The tenth week of a term
• The day before a term begins

• Schedule changes can be made through the first Friday of the semester using Buckeye Link.
• Courses can be dropped, using Buckeye Link, through the fourth Friday of the semester without a W appearing on the transcript.
• To enter a class after the first week of the semester, students need to complete a course enrollment permission form and have the necessary signatures before turning in to their advisor. Students may drop off course permission forms at the front desk of 205 Dreese Laboratories to be processed as long as they completely fill in the form and include a phone number where they can be reached. In order to ensure that courses are properly dropped or added, students should follow-up by checking their student center. Advisors cannot make changes to schedules if there are any holds in place. Make sure you have resolved all holds with the appropriate office before submitting course enrollment permission forms.
• After the fourth week Friday, students may withdraw from classes by contacting their advisor. If you’re sending an e-mail, be sure to write “withdraw” in the subject line.
• Friday of the tenth week is the latest to withdraw from a full-term class unless you have special circumstances that are beyond your control. 
• Students who want to drop their entire course load for the semester need to contact an advisor to assist them in this process.

Can my parents talk to my academic advisor?
Of course, but remember that the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prevents advisors from disclosing confidential information about your academic record without your written consent. Advisors can, however, answer your parents’ questions about the policies and procedures of the University and can provide appropriate referrals.