Academic Advising at the University
Where Should a Student go for Academic Advising?
Students who have a declared major should go to the department office for that major. See the listing of department locations and phone numbers in the Colorado State University Phone Directory.Students who are Intra-University, including undeclared, seeking controlled majors, Continuing Education and GUEST are advised by the Center for Advising and Student Achievement.
If students are interested in professional programs such as law or medicine, they need to meet regularly with a pre-professional advisor in addition to their assigned academic advisor. Human and animal health profession advisors are located in the Center for Advising and Student Achievement. The pre-law advisor is Blane Harding in the College of Liberal Arts.
If a student is interested in obtaining teacher licensure, he/she needs to see an advisor designated to that area of interest in addition to their assigned academic advisor. See the Key Advisor List for the appropriate key advisor for teacher endorsement area of study.
Why Should Students See an Academic Advisor?
- To get assistance in making academic and career choices, and to receive information about a particular major
- To learn degree requirements
- To develop strategies to improve their academic performance
- To learn about campus services
Common Questions Students Ask their Academic Advisor
- What courses can be used to complete the All-University Core Curriculum (AUCC)?
- What courses are required to complete my major?
- What is an elective course?
- How many credits should I take?
- What can I do if I am having difficulty in a course?
- Should I add or drop a course?
- Did my credits transfer, and what requirements do they meet for graduation?
When do we Recommend Students See their Academic Advisor?
- Within the first week of the semester to discuss schedule changes
- During first few weeks of semester to discuss majors
- During mid-semester to talk about next semester's schedule
- Whenever the student has a question or problem, the academic advisor is a good place to start
Responsibilities of the Academic Advisor and Advisee
- Are dedicated to the advising process as a caring relationship
- Strive to be accessible to students
- Encourage students in self-direction and understanding of personal responsibilities
- Assist students in achieving academic, career, and personal goal-setting
- Assist students in selecting courses and combinations of courses that reflect individual interests and abilities
- Are familiar with graduation requirements and other institutional policies and procedures outlined in the Colorado State University General Catalog
- Refer students to other appropriate campus resources
- Understand the division of responsibilities and authority between student, advisor, department, college and University
Student Advisees
- Recognize that advising is a shared responsibility but also realize that students are ultimately responsible for making decisions regarding academic, career, and personal goals
- Are responsible for preparing and keeping appointments with their advisors
- See their advisors at least once a semester
- Develop plans for achieving academic, career, and personal goals
- Maintain updated checksheets and develop plans for taking courses required for graduation
- Are familiar with graduation requirements and other institutional policies and procedures outlined in the Colorado State University General Catalog
- Utilize the full range of campus resources