Academic advising is designed to provide you with the information and the support that you need to make informed plans and decisions about your program and to achieve your educational goals. You are always in charge of your education — you make the decisions. Academic advisors can help you learn what you need to know; sort out your questions; think through your options; identify opportunities and shortcuts; avoid problems; and make your program right for you. Just as you might look to a lawyer for advice on a legal problem, or to a financial advisor for help with investment plans, think about an academic advisor as your consultant for your educational planning.
Make the Most of Your Advisor is a handy guide that outlines what you can expect from your advisor, and what your advisor will expect from you. Both the advisor and the student have responsibilities to make this an effective advising partnership. If you can't find the information you need on the advising web site, you should contact your advisor to get help with your questions or concerns. Don’t wait until you are having academic difficulty. You are encouraged to plan ahead, especially before the registration period when advisors are very busy. Communicate with your advisor regularly, and follow his or her recommendations.