Undergraduate Advising FAQs

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

  • 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?

  • 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?

  • 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 Academic Advisor?
There are no walk-in times available during the Summer term. To see one of the advisors over the summer, students need to schedule an appointment online.

Be Prepared for Appointments

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.

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.   

Important Registration Dates

There are certain times during a semester when Advisors are especially busy. Please plan ahead and try to avoid waiting for an appointment during these times:

  • 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

Specific deadline dates for each semester are available from the University Registrar.

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 last 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.