University College Academic Advising Center

Academic advising in college is not exactly like your experience with counseling in high school. Students and advisors together contribute to successful advising. You must take the initiative in contacting your college advisor and assuming the responsibility for your schedule of classes. As in any counseling relationship, what you discuss with your advisor is confidential information and is treated as such. 

• You are very much in charge of the relationship with your academic advisor. While your advisor may contact you, it is up to you to use your advisor’s services.
• Know a variety of ways to communicate with your advisor. Know your advisor’s name, phone number, email address and office location.
• Introduce yourself when you call or visit. Your advisor may work with up to 400 students, so it is hard to recall names and details spontaneously. Even if you think your advisor knows you, giving your preferred first name and your last name is a polite and helpful gesture.
• Don’t be shy about saying hello or introducing yourself when you see your advisor crossing campus, at a sports event, cultural performance, grocery story, or on the ski slopes.
• Start with your advisor when you are seeking help to solve problems that affect your academic performance. Be open and honest with your advisor.

The main goal of advising is your academic success. Your advisor is committed to that goal. However, you are responsible for your education. You need to decide what you want and learn the requirements that must be met to achieve your goal. Your advisor is just that, and advisor, and, as such, is an important resource for your academic success. Contact your advisor whenever you have questions or concerns.