The Importance of Advising

---

It is no mistake that advising is first in the orientation, as it is one of the most important pieces of your college career. Your advisor will help you navigate degree requirements and stay on track as you move toward graduation. He/she is also a great resource in learning about the processes and policies at WKU. If you need your advisor's contact information it can be found in TopNet under Student Services > Registration > View Advisor Information. 

---

The Advisor-Student Relationship

What Your Advisor Will Expect From You:

• Initiate contact with your advisor - you can do this by phone, email or in-person. 
• Be on time for your advising appointment.  If you can’t attend, cancel/reschedule. This applies to online and phone appointments, as well as face-to-face appointments.
• Discuss important decisions or questions about your education (e.g., choice of major, change of major) well before the registration period begins. Registration periods can be found in the Registration Guide and Academic Calendar.
• Prepare for appointments by reviewing your degree requirements (we will discuss this in the next section).  Create a list of courses, course sections, and alternative course choices. Have this list with you when you talk with your advisor.
• Settle all university obligations (e.g. parking tickets, library fines, past due fines, etc.) before your priority registration date. Otherwise, you will have holds on your account that will prevent you from registering for classes.
• After talking with your advisor, register for the classes you discussed.

What You Can Expect From Your Advisor:

• Availability during office hours and the opportunity for individual appointments, including phone, email and/or skype meetings.
• Assistance in finding academic information, including information on correct course choices, majors, minors, general education requirements, other academic policies, and deadlines.
• Referrals to appropriate offices if he or she cannot provide the necessary assistance.
• A meeting to discuss grades and recommendations for academic improvement, if appropriate.
• A meeting each semester before the registration period to help with course selection and academic planning to approve your academic schedule for the next term.
• Assistance in understanding the purpose of academic requirements and their relationship to a major and career plan.

Remember, if you need to meet by phone or online, your advisor is happy to assist, just let them know!

NEXT