Prepare for Your A&S Academic Advising Meeting

A little preparation goes a long way. Being ready helps you make the most of your time with your academic advisor. Do these things before your meeting!

Before Your Meeting: Review and Reflect During Your Meeting: Come Prepared to Engage After Your Meeting: Follow Through
Before Your Meeting: Review and Reflect

Review Your Degree AuditÌý

Run a current degree audit before your meeting to:Ìý

  • Understand your remaining requirements
  • Identify questions or gaps
  • Be ready to discuss your progressÌý

If relevant, before your meeting and/or build your registration shopping cart.Ìý

Reflect on Your GoalsÌý

Be ready to talk about:Ìý

  • Your academic interests
  • Career ideas or uncertainties
  • Skills you want to build
  • Experiences you want to haveÌý

Your academic advisor can help connect your goals to opportunities.Ìý

Pro Tip: Not sure how to answer some of the questions above? Check out the ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ Career Services Career Help on Demand website for resources!Ìý

Prepare Your QuestionsÌý

Think about what you want to discuss. Examples:Ìý

  • Am I on track to graduate?
  • What classes should I plan to take next semester?
  • Should I add a second major, minor, or certificate?
  • What opportunities (internships, research, study abroad) fit my goals?Ìý

Pro Tip: Prioritize your questions so you cover the most important topics first.Ìý

  • Ask questions
  • Take notes
  • Be open to new ideas
  • Be honest about challenges or concerns

Successful academic advising support doesn’t stop after your meeting:Ìý

What to Expect from Your Academic Advisor

Your academic advisor is here to support your success -- academically, personally, and professionally. Here’s what you can count on from us:Ìý

  • Accessible Support: We offer in-person and virtual appointments, along with regular drop-in or same-day micro-appointment support. If you schedule an in-person appointment and need to switch to virtual, send your academic advisor an email!
  • Clear Guidance & Planning: We help you understand degree requirements, plan your class schedule, and map out a realistic path and timeline for graduation.
  • Opportunities & Resources: We provide connections to research, internships, study abroad, honors, and campus resources.
  • Answers & Information: Have questions? We provide accurate information, policy guidance, and timely updates.
  • Decision-Making Support: We help you explore academic and career options and make informed decisions.
  • Whole-Person Advising: We care about more than just your class schedule. We provide support for your goals, strengths, and overall academic, personal, and career development.
  • Campus Connections: We support beyond academic advising, we’ll connect you to services like Career Services, Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS), Financial Aid, Pre-Health Advising, Student Organizations, and more.
  • Timely Communication: We aim to respond to emails within 2–3 business days (sometimes longer during peak times, such as registration periods).Ìý

How to Change your Appointment Modality

  • To Virtual- If you scheduled an in-person appointment but need to meet virtually instead, email your academic advisor to convert your booked appointment to virtual. You do not need to provide a detailed explanation.
  • To In-Person- If you are looking for an in-person appointment and only see virtual availability, please email your academic advisor for options.
  • Not feeling well? The health and wellbeing of our students and campus community is very important to us. If you have an in-person appointment scheduled and are feeling sick that day, we’re happy to meet with you virtually (as long as you’re still feeling well enough for a conversation).Ìý

Tools for Success

Degree Audit

Track your requirements and degree progress.

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Explore classes and plan your schedule

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Academic Calendar

View important dates and deadlines

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Academic Advising Quick Links

Common topics and FAQs

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This is your education and your journey. Your academic advisor is here to guide and support you—but you’re in the driver’s seat. The more prepared and engaged you are, the more you’ll get out of the experience.Ìý