Are You Ready for Your Advising Appointment?

When you meet with your advisor each semester to prepare for the next semester’s courses, you need to be prepared so that your meeting will go well.

• Schedule an appointment well in advance of your registration time.
• Read the Undergraduate Catalog sections on your degree and your major requirements as well as the General Education requirements.  http://www.memphis.edu/ugcatalog/
• Look over any materials your advisor has given you previously regarding your major and degree, and bring them with you to every appointment.
• Check your Degree Evaluation in myMemphis so that you are prepared to ask about anything that is unclear to you.
• Print out a degree sheet and keep a record of the courses you have completed.
• Come prepared with a list of questions and any concerns that you would like to discuss.
• Bring a pen or pencil and a printed copy of the Registration Worksheet located on the Advising website to record courses (http://cas.memphis.edu/docs/reg_worksheet.doc).  If possible, have a rough schedule worked out with the courses you think will fulfill your requirements
• Ask your advisor for alternate courses that you can take in the event some courses are closed or do not fit your schedule.
• If possible, have a rough schedule worked out with the courses you think will fulfill your requirements
• Inform your advisor of any changes in your plans since the last time you met- for example, if you have decided to add a minor or a second major, or if you are planning to go to graduate school or to professional school after graduation.
• Take a list of other concerns such as problems affecting your academic performance or career considerations.  Your advisor can supply you with contact information for sources of help on campus, for example, tutoring or personal or career counseling.  Having a list of concerns will ensure that you do not forget to discuss them.
• Thank your advisor for spending time with you.

Your advisor is available to assist you with your college career, but ultimately it is your responsibility to make appropriate academic choices.  Being prepared for each advising session will ensure that your choices are wise.

For more tips to make the most of your academic advising experience, visit Academic Counseling Center.