Information for Academic Advisors

Academic advising plays an essential role in the development of students as self-directed learners and in their academic success at the university. Rarely are advisors called upon to enter approval: only for underloads or overloads. Instead, advisors ask pertinent questions, clarify options, and help students make informed choices as they plan their programs of study. Advisors also help to connect students with resources at the university that can help them with their academic or non-academic concerns. In the senior year, advisors certify that major requirements have been met for degree completion.

This page provides general information for academic advisors. More information, including some updated departmental advising guides, can be found in the Academic Advising Handbook. Advising guides for students can be found in the Academics menu under Academic Advising (for new students) and Areas of Study (about specific departments and programs).

Advising Timeline

Fall

Welcome Week: Advise new students

Week 1-2: Check advisees' schedules* - 3 courses?

Week 5-6: Meet 1st-year advisees - progress and self-eval?

Any time: Check in, follow up on concerns (CPRs/alerts)

 
Winter

Week 1-2: Check advisees' schedules* - 3 courses?

Week 5-6: Meet 2nd-year advisees - plans for major?

Any time: Check in, follow up on concerns (CPRs/alerts)

 
Spring

Week 1-2: Check advisees' schedules* - 3 courses?

Week 3-4: Meet advisees for advance registration

Week 5-6: Check advisees' schedules* - registered for 3 terms?

Week 7-8: Certify majors/minors for graduation

Any time: Check in, follow up on concerns (CPRs/alerts)

*In the Advisor Menu in Voyager, click "List of Advisees," scroll to the bottom, and click "Generate schedules for all Advisees."

Advising Handbook

This advising handbook from 2012 is a helpful resource for academic advisors.  An updated version will be added soon.

Faculty Advising Handbook (PDF)