Ways to Meet with A&S Academic Advising

Types of Meetings

Choosing the right type of meeting can save you time and help you get the support you need.Ìý

TypeÌý

Length

Best ForÌý

How it WorksÌý

 Scheduled AppointmentsÌý

(In-Person and Virtual Available)​Ìý

30-45 minutesÌý

In-depth discussions related to registration preparation, studying abroad, long-term planning, graduation timeline, etc.​Ìý

During your first semester at CU, we encourage you to schedule an in-person appointment!Ìý

Schedule in advance through Buff Portal Advising (BPA). Availability fills quickly around registration periods; plan accordingly!Ìý

If you need to meet virtually but you only see in-person options, book an in-person appointment and email your academic advisor to convert your booked appointment to virtual.Ìý

Drop-ins​ or Micro-AppointmentsÌý

(In-Person and Virtual Available)Ìý

5-10 minutesÌý

Quick questions about adding/dropping a class, how to read your degree audit or how to connect with a campus resource, etc.​Ìý

Drop-ins are weekly open blocks that are first-come, first served​. We also offer 15-minute micro-appointments for quick questions that are reservable same-day.​Ìý

What Kind of Meeting Do I Need: Quick Question vs. Big Picture?

See more below ↓

What kind of help do you need?

Best Option:

Drop-ins or micro-appointment

(5-10 minutes)

  • Fast, first-come-first-served
  • Great for quick, straightforward questions or
  • Same-day meeting when you need fast answers to something specific
  • Often quicker than email

Examples:

  • Adding/dropping a class
  • Clarifying a requirement
  • Finding a campus resource

Best option:

Scheduled Appointment

(30-45 minutes)

  • Allows time for a deeper, personalized conversation
  • Best for complex topics or multiple questions
  • Ensures you have dedicated time with your academic advisor

Examples:

  • Course planning or degree progress
  • Exploring majors or minors
  • Feeling unsure about next steps

If your question might take more than 10 minutes or involves planning, we recommend you choose a Scheduled Appointment.

When Should I Meet My Academic Advisor?

  • For long-term degree planning and graduation time support
  • To prepare for registration each semester
  • When exploring majors, minors, and other academic opportunities
  • Career exploration and academic goal setting related to degree planning
  • If you’re facing academic or personal challenges
  • When planning for internships, study abroad, research, etc.
  • If you have an academic advising hold on your account, you may be required to schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to resolve the hold.
  • Students are required to meet with an academic advisor at least once in their first and second year. Those who do not will receive a registration hold in the spring semester that will require them to schedule an appointment and meet with their A&S academic advisor prior to registering for the fall semester.
  • Students in academic difficulty will also get a registration hold.Ìý

Exploring a Major or Minor in the College of Arts & Sciences?

CurrentÌýA&S students, as well as ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ studentsÌýenrolled in another college, school or program who are interested in exploring an additional or different A&S major or minor are welcome to meet with an A&S academic advisor for an exploratory conversation during weekly Open Hours (Mondays 1-3pm during the fall and spring semester) and by appointment during the summer.ÌýÌý

Confirm availability and location through Buff Portal Advising:ÌýÌý

Helpful instructions and resources:Ìý

  • - Explore or declare majors and minors, IUT (1 min. Video)
  • Want to learn more about the Intra-University Transfer (IUT) process into the College of Arts & Sciences? Click here.Ìý

A&S Academic Advising Operates on a Hybrid Schedule and Offers Both In-Person and Virtual Availability

Our A&S Academic Advising team is happy to meet with you either in-person or virtually to support you in the way that works best for you. Whether you prefer to meet face-to-face or connect virtually, we’re here to help. We’d love to meet you in-person at least once during your first year, but our priority is making sure you feel supported and connected no matter what modality works best for you. Choose the meeting format that works best for your needs, comfort level, and schedule.Ìý

  • We Encourage Your First Meeting to Be In-Person: During your first semester at CU, we encourage you to schedule an in-person appointment with your A&S academic advisor. It would be great to meet in-person at least once within your first year.
    • Meeting with your academic advisor in-person can be a great way to start building your connection to CU. It gives you the opportunity to get to know your academic advisor, learn where academic advising offices and campus resources are located, and feel more comfortable asking questions and seeking support in the future. For many students, meeting face-to-face also helps make a large university feel a little smaller and more connected.
    • That said, we know every student’s situation is different. Virtual appointments remain a great option-- you will receive personalized, high-quality academic advising regardless of modality!Ìý
  • Virtual Appointments Are Always Available: Virtual academic advising is a flexible option that can work well if you live off campus or commute, have work, family, or scheduling commitments, are traveling or studying away from campus, prefer meeting virtually, or are not feeling well.
    • If you only see in-person appointment availability but need to meet virtually, schedule the in-person appointment and then email your academic advisor and ask to convert your booked in-person appointment to virtual.Ìý

How to Schedule a Meeting

  • Use Buff Portal Advising to book appointments and view drop-in hours
  • Look 1–3 weeks ahead if availability is limitedÌý

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

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What if I Can't Meet with My Academic Advisor Before Registration?

Don’t wait! Register for the classes you think you need.ÌýÌý

You can meet with your academic advisor afterward to review and adjust your schedule.ÌýÌý

While you wait, check out our Quick Links page!Ìý

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When Should I Email My Academic Advisor?

Email your academic advisor if no meeting options work (non-urgent questions)Ìý

Email is a good option if:Ìý

  • You can’t find a meeting time that works
  • Your question is non-urgentÌý

Keep in mind: responses may take up to 2–3 business days (longer during peak times).Ìý