Your Advising Meeting

Preparing for your first appointment

As a student, you play an essential role in the academic advising process. It is your responsibility to monitor your academic progress and seek advising on a regular basis. Advisors can help you develop educational plans compatible with your career and life goals, and assist you in completing your chosen program quickly and successfully. To make the most of your advising sessions, you need to prepare for the sessions by taking the following steps:

• Set up an appointment with your Academic or Faculty Advisor. It is a good idea to meet with your Academic or Faculty Advisor every semester and to schedule your appointment early in the semester.
• Review your Degree Works Report. Your Degree Works Report explains your progress toward your degree and you can access  this through MyUSI by clicking on the "graduation cap" icon.
• Write down any questions and concerns that you have about your Degree Works Report and bring these questions and your report to your advising session.
• Review your USI Bulletin. The Bulletin explains all of the University and departmental requirements for all degrees.

At Your Advising Session:

• Bring: your questions.
• Establish a target graduation date in consultation with your advisor.
• Work with your advisor to establish a program of study and an outline of the classes that you plan to take in the next 2 or 3 semesters.
• Ask any and all additional questions that you might have. Your advisor can help you best when you explain your academic/career goals and concerns.
• Keep notes from your advising meetings to remind you about what was discussed.

Follow Up:

• Call or Email your Advising Center or Faculty Advisor with any questions.
• Take charge of your academic progress! Advising is an important tool, but you are ultimately responsible for your success.