Utah State University academic advisors provide an inclusive environment in which the advisor assists undergraduate students in making responsible and informed decisions about educational plans, professional, and life goals consistent with the student's strengths, values, abilities, and interests.
Role of Academic Advisors
Academic Guidance
Provide accurate information, related to curriculum, graduation requirements, and university policies and procedures.
Degree Planning
Create semester-by-semester graduation plan in Degree Works and monitor student's progress toward their declared major.
Campus Resources
Provide information and strategies to utilize available campus resources and services.
How Do I Schedule an Appointment?
You can meet with your advisor by Zoom, phone, or in-person. Type your major in the search bar in Degree Finder to find your advisor and schedule an appointment. Students attending at Statewide Campuses can find their advisor by location.
Responsibilities
Student Responsibilities
- Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester.
- Review your semester-by-semester plan in DegreeWorks before your appointment.
- Arrive at your advising appointment prepared to discuss your strengths, interests, and goals. Share your experiences outside the classroom that are informing your academic experience. Reflect on your responsibilities and be realistic about what you can balance.
- Keep your advisor informed about your strengths, goals, and any issues that are impacting your ability to reach your academic goals.
- Read emails from your advisor.
- Take an active role in your education. Be prepared to engage in discussions about your education plans, professional goals, and life aspirations.
- Become knowledgeable about college programs, policies, and procedures.
- Keep your important advising materials organized.
- Follow-through on your plan designed with your advisor. Keep your advisor updated on barriers you encounter as you're delivering on your plan.
Advisor Responsibilities
- Be accessible to meet in person, by phone, or communicate by email.
- Provide accurate information, related to curriculum, graduation requirements, and university policies and procedures.
- Create semester-by-semester graduation plan in DegreeWorks and monitor student's progress toward their declared major.
- Provide information and strategies to utilize available campus resources and services.
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Assist students in making responsible and informed decisions impacting academic progress.
- Encourage and guide students as they define and develop realistic goals.
- Assist students to understand the purpose of higher education and the impact on life goals.
- Discuss the benefits of building a learning community, network and support system among peers, professors and mentors.
Services Provided
Services Provided by Academic Advisors
- Provide advising on degree/major requirements
- Co-create semester-by-semester graduation plans (or plans to declare a major)
- Evaluate and approve graduation applications
- Provide students with college or departmental information (scholarships, seminars, internship opportunities)
- Sign academic forms (Change of Matriculation, Registration Options, Request for Graduation Application, etc.)
- Provide referrals to campus and community resources
Services Provided by Faculty Mentors
- Career mentoring
- Internship identification and preparation
- Letters of recommendation
- Research opportunities
- Departmental jobs (teaching assistant or lab positions)
- Articulation of transfer credits
- Graduate school information and advising
- Post-Bachelor experience suggestions
Partners in Student Success
While advisors do not help students manage emotions, navigate interpersonal skills, provide tutoring or accommodations, or provide therapy, they connect students with the appropriate resources for their needs. Students needing these resources should access the following resources:
Advising Timeline
Before School Starts
Student
- Attend Aggie Orientation
- Take the ALEKS math assessment (if needed).
- In July and August, take advantage of resources like: Degree Finder, USU General Catalog, Aggie Handshake, USU student portal, financial aid, Academic Success Center and other student resources.
- Familiarize yourself with USU policies and important fall semester dates.
- Have a complete academic record to the Admissions Office including results of AP exams and grades of concurrent enrollment courses.
Advisor
At Aggie Orientation
Advisor will answer general questions about the program, major, department, university and registration.
After Aggie Orientation
The advisor will be available for appointments during the summer at should you have questions. You should be set for fall semester before it starts.
Freshman Fall Semester
Student
- Make a tentative semester-by-semester graduation plan
- Schedule Aggie Orientation follow-up appointment with advisor and/or peer advisor
- Get involved in a Departmental or USU Student Club
- Take advantage of student resources
- Follow up with other advisors (minor, etc. as needed)
- Complete required student trainings (e.g. Sexual Assault Prevention Training)
Advisor
- Help develop and finalize a sample four-year plan
- Help plan for spring classes
- Identify prerequisites and reorder courses if required
- Help understand Degree Works
- Direct students to campus resources as needed
Freshman Spring Semester
Student
- Meet with major advisor as needed for fall courses. Also meet with other advisors (minor, etc. as needed) and update plan.
- Continue to explore career options and make use of the Career Desgin Center
- Consider study abroad and other opportunities for learning outside the classroom.
Advisor
- Help with course selection and plan updates
- Assist with individual advising needs
- Help with major exploration
- Identify if current major matches student's interests
- Assist with change of major if needed
Sophomore Year
Student
- Visit academic advisor each semester to revise academic plan
- Avail yourself of honors or research opportunities with faculty members
- Make connections with students and faculty within your major
Advisor
- Help with course selection and plan updates
- Assist with individual advising needs
- Direct students to minors, study abroad, internships, or research opportunities
Junior Year
Student
- Visit academic advisor each semester to revise academic plan
- Meet with your career coach to update your resume and apply for internships
- Continue making post graduate plans and developing marketable skills
Advisor
- Help with course selection and plan updates
- Assist with individual advising needs
- Provide information regarding post graduate plans
- Discuss options for higher education within the major
Senior Year
Student
- Meet with major advisor to plan for graduation and apply for graduation
- Apply for graduate school
- Continue working toward career/post-graduation plans
- Meet with your advisor each semester to double-check your graduation application
Advisor
- Help complete graduation application
- Prepare student for graduation