How to Work With Your Academic Advisor

Your academic advisor is one of the most important people you will meet in college, and one of the most underused. Advisors know the rules, deadlines and options that can save you time and money, and they can help you make decisions about courses and majors. Yet many students meet their advisor once, only to get a signature, and never go back. That is a missed opportunity.

Advising systems differ between colleges. Some assign a faculty advisor, others a professional advisor, and some use peer advisors or a combination. This guide describes common practices and is general information.

What advisors do

Advisors typically help you:

• Understand degree requirements and plan courses.
• Choose and register for classes.
• Track your progress toward graduation.
• Explore majors, minors and career paths.
• Navigate policies, such as adding and dropping courses, transferring credit and academic standing.
• Find resources, such as tutoring, counseling and financial help.
• Solve problems, such as conflicts or difficulties in courses.
• Plan special experiences, such as study abroad, internships or research.

What they usually do not do: make your decisions for you, complete your registration for you, or guarantee outcomes. You are in charge of your degree.

Know who your advisor is

Find out:

1. Your advisor's name and contact details.
2. Where and when they are available.
3. How to book an appointment.
4. Whether you have more than one advisor, such as a general advisor and a departmental one.
5. Whether peer advisors or advising centers are available.

Save these details. If you have not been assigned an advisor, ask the department or the advising center.

Book early

Advisors are busiest before registration and at the start and end of term.

• Book several weeks ahead of registration.
• Use online booking if available.
• Choose a time when you can focus.
• Plan to meet at least once each term.
• Request a longer slot if you have a complex issue.
• Cancel or reschedule politely if you cannot come.

If you cannot get an appointment quickly, ask whether there are drop-in hours or email advice.

Prepare

A prepared student gets better advice.

1. Review your degree plan or audit. See what you have completed and what remains.
2. Draft a schedule with courses you are considering and backups.
3. Write down questions.
4. Note concerns, such as a course that feels too hard or a workload that is too heavy.
5. Bring forms, if any need signatures.
6. Bring a notebook or device for notes.
7. Think about goals: what do you want from your degree?

Our guide to course registration explained describes how registration works, so you can ask informed questions.

Questions to ask

Good questions lead to useful advice.

About requirements:

• What courses do I still need for my major and for general education?
• Are there prerequisites I should plan around?
• Which courses are offered only in certain terms?

About planning:

• What is a realistic load for me this term?
• How can I finish in the time I want?
• Could I add a minor or double major?
• Can I use summer or winter courses?

About exploring:

• What are the pros and cons of changing my major?
• What can I do with this degree?
• Who should I talk to in the department?

About support:

• Where can I get help with a difficult course?
• What do I do if I am struggling with money or health?
• Are there opportunities for research, internships or study abroad?

About rules:

• What are the deadlines for dropping or withdrawing?
• How would a change affect my aid, visa or scholarship?
• What happens if I fall below a grade requirement?

Be honest

Advisors can only help with what they know. If you are struggling, doubting your major, working long hours or dealing with health or family issues, say so. You do not need to share private details, but enough information lets them suggest options.

Admitting difficulty early gives you more choices. Hiding problems can limit them. Advisors have seen many situations and are usually supportive.

Ask for options

A good advising conversation explores alternatives.

• Ask what choices you have.
• Ask about the consequences of each.
• Ask why they recommend a particular course of action.
• Ask what happens if it does not work.
• Take time to think before you decide.

Remember that you are the decision-maker. If you disagree, say so politely and explain why.

Take notes and follow up

During the meeting:

1. Write down advice, options and deadlines.
2. Confirm what you will do next.
3. Ask for names of other people to contact.
4. Request written confirmation for important decisions, such as exceptions.

After the meeting:

• Do what you agreed, by the deadlines.
• Send a short thank-you and a summary of next steps, if appropriate.
• Save emails and notes.
• Keep your advisor informed of changes.

Records are helpful if there is ever a misunderstanding about what you were told.

Meet regularly

Do not wait for a crisis.

• Meet each term before registration.
• Check in after midterms or if something changes.
• Update your plan as your interests develop.
• Ask for advice about opportunities, such as internships or research.
• Tell your advisor when you achieve something, such as a good grade or a new activity.

A regular relationship makes it easier to ask for help and for references later.

If it is not working

Sometimes the fit is not right. Maybe your advisor is hard to reach, or you feel unheard.

1. Try to talk to them. Explain what you need.
2. Look for other sources of advice, such as an advising center, department chair or other faculty.
3. Ask about changing advisors. Many colleges allow it, with a simple form.
4. Do not let problems drag on. Deadlines pass quickly.

If you feel unsafe or are treated inappropriately, report it to the department or college.

Advisors, mentors and career services

Different people play different roles.

• Academic advisors focus on planning and rules.
• Faculty mentors guide you in your subject and research.
• Career services help with jobs, internships and graduate applications.
• Counselors support wellbeing.
• Financial aid officers deal with money.
• Peer mentors offer student perspectives.

Use them together. An advisor can often connect you with the right person.

Special situations

Undecided students. Meet your advisor early to explore options, and consider courses that keep choices open.

Transfer students. Ask how credits apply, and plan a path to graduation.

International students. Check visa implications of changes in your load.

Students with disabilities. Coordinate with disability services and your advisor on accommodations and planning.

Students at risk academically. Meet your advisor promptly, and ask about support and recovery plans.

A worked example

Imagine a student who feels unsure about her major. She books a meeting with her advisor before registration, brings her draft schedule and explains that she is considering switching from biology to psychology. The advisor goes through the requirements for both, shows her how many of her credits would count and suggests taking an introductory psychology course the next term to test her interest. She also gets the name of a professor to talk to. The student writes down the plan and follows through. By the following term, she has made a more confident decision.

The meeting did not make the decision for her. It gave her the information she needed.

Common mistakes

• Meeting only to get a signature.
• Going unprepared.
• Hiding problems.
• Waiting until after deadlines.
• Not taking notes.
• Expecting the advisor to decide.
• Not following up.

A quick checklist

• Do I know who my advisor is and how to book?
• Have I scheduled a meeting before registration?
• Do I have a draft schedule and questions?
• Am I ready to be honest about my situation?
• Do I know how I will follow up?

Final thoughts

A good relationship with your advisor can save you time, money and stress. Prepare for meetings, ask thoughtful questions, be honest and follow up. Treat your advisor as a partner in planning your degree.