Every student will have an assigned advisor. Your advisor will help you determine the courses you need to take and guide you through the requirements to get a degree. You are likely to have two or more advisors in college. During your freshman year, you will have an advisor who has special knowledge in guiding freshmen. When you move into a major, you will have another advisor. Hopefully your initial advisor in your major will carry you through the rest of your time in college.

Here are some guidelines for making the best use of your advisor:

1. Schedule an appointment. That way you’ll be more likely to have the time you need.
2. Determine the classes you want to take in advance. You should review the curriculum for your desired major to get an idea of what you need.
3. Let your advisor know up front of any special needs that you have (e.g. ROTC, band, athletics, minor). These will influence the courses your advisor recommends.
4. During the spring semester tell your advisor of your plans for the summer. This could influence the courses you take in the fall, especially if you are taking a pre-requisite course over the summer.
5. When you turn to your advisor for help on matters other than scheduling, make sure to let your advisor know how the situation worked out. A simple “thank you” could never hurt.
6. Whenever you correspond with your advisor, make sure to give the background on the situation before you ask your question. It’s hard to guide you without knowing all of the facts.
7. When you are struggling with your classes and need your advisor’s help, don’t wait too long to seek out your advisor.

Your advisor can be key to your success in college, but you need to work with your advisor to ensure you are getting the best advice possible..