Working with an Academic Adviser

Before you register for classes next term, sit down for a strategy session with your academic adviser. On most campuses, you’ll be assigned an adviser, who is usually an instructor or a staff person in your chosen field of study. Some colleges offer special advisory centers run by professional advisers. A good adviser can help you choose courses, decide on a major, weigh career possibilities, and map out your degree and certificate requirements. Your adviser can also recommend instructors and help you simplify all aspects of your academic life, so it’s important to meet with your adviser right away. Here are a few ways to make sure that your first meeting is a valuable experience.

high-impact practice 2

Stay Motivated

Academic Planning

You have probably already met with an academic adviser, but if not, schedule a meeting right away. Think about this meeting and what you accomplished. Then write a short paper or journal entry about something you learned that increased your motivation to take academic planning seriously. Also, describe in writing at least three problems you might encounter when it comes to choosing your major or planning your program of study if you do not take academic planning seriously. How can these possible negative consequences increase your motivation to plan well for your next meeting with your adviser?