Making use of your Advisor


Academic advising is a relationship in which an advisor (a faculty advisor or professional advisor) helps a student select, plan and complete his/her academic goals without unnecessary delays and expense. You will want to work closely with your advisor to plan your program of study so that you will take the required courses in their proper sequence to meet the graduation requirements of your major and the University.

How can you make the most of an advising relationship?

  • Develop your social, academic and career goals and examine how these goals will affect your life.

  • Become familiar with Career Exploration Services and the other resources at USU and discuss your long range goals, career opportunities and the selection of a major or minor with career counselors, faculty, your academic advisor and the other resource people.

  • Keep current on academic policies, procedures and requirements by reviewing the current catalog, schedule of classes and major requirement sheets.

  • Know basic University, college and departmental graduation requirements of a chosen major or minor well enough to plan your own progress toward completion of these requirements.

  • Accept responsibility for your decisions.

  • Maintain personal copies of a tentative degree plan, progress reports, general educational evalutations until an official graduation application is processed.

  • Know your advisor. (For information and assistance, contact your academic department, your college academic service center or the University Academic Service Center in TSC 302.)

  • Seek help from your advisor when needed.

  • See that any academic records from other universities are transferred and received by the Admissions Office for evaluation.

How can you make the best use of your advisor?

  • Become familiar with the information in the front section of the USU Catalog and the first section of the semester's schedule of classes.

  • Study carefully the current semester schedule of classes, which is avaiable prior to each registration period.

  • Read and follow the instructions on the Course Request Form.

  • Take the initiative to contact your advisor during office hours. It may take more than one attempt before you connect.

  • Prepare a list of questions or concerns before each meeting with your advisor. Have a tentative written schedule prepared if you are registering.

  • Become familiar with student service offices and student organizations on campus.

  • Ask questions! If you don't understand a policy or procedure, ask questions until you understand.

  • Make decisions. Your advisor will present you with options.

  • Know the academic calender in the front section of the current semester schedule of classes. Don't miss deadlines. Know when to register and drop or add classes. Set up appointments with your advisor well in advance of these deadlines.

  • Read your progress report (unofficial transcript), including your scholastic standing.

  • Learn the degree requirements using the catalog and major requirement sheet.

  • Cooperate with your advisor regarding class scheduling and degree plan changes.

  • Keep personal copies of schedules, drop/add forms and other important information regarding your academic progress.

  • Study this information so you can make the most of your appointments with your advisor.