Key takeaways:
- College academic advisors help students navigate course options and graduation requirements.
- They can also assist with declaring majors, substituting classes, and understanding academic policies and resources.
- Students should meet with their advisors at least once a year to discuss grades, career goals, and more.
College academic advisors directly help students make the most of their college experience. They mainly assist with course selection each semester, but students should also reach out to their counselor to declare their major, drop/add classes, or explore course substitutions. Meeting regularly with your counselor makes it easier to succeed in college. Here’s a look at what college academic advisors do, how you can make the most of working with them, and some dispelled myths.
What Do College Academic Advisors Do?
A college academic advisor, sometimes called college counselors, are faculty or staff members who help students establish goals and stay on track for graduation. They’re often a professor from the student’s intended or declared major, but they can also be a dedicated advisor and not an instructor. Students meet with them at least once or twice a year to discuss class schedules, graduation timelines, grades, and more.
Here are some examples of how academic advisors help support students:
1. Class Selection and Graduation Planning
College students usually have to meet with their advisor at least once a year to receive clearance to select the next semester’s courses. The counselor has access to general education (GE) requirements and major requirements for each of their students. With that information, they can help you plan your graduation timeline and provide advice on what courses to select when to meet those goals.
2. Dropping and Adding Classes
After a semester starts, if you decide to drop or add a course, you may have to get your counselor’s approval. Colleges list deadlines for adding/dropping classes, and after a certain date, you won’t be able to exit or join the class without talking to your advisor.
3. Major Options and Declarations
Not sure what you’d like to major in? Or between two focuses? Advisors are often professors within your intended major’s department, and they can help you compare your options. Even if you decide to make a leap into a completely different subject – English to Biology, for example – they can help you navigate the switch until you’re assigned a new counselor.
You may have stated your intended major on your college application, but you’ll have to officially declare your major it by the end of your sophomore year or beginning of your junior year. Your academic advisor can walk you through the steps. You can also declare your minor with them.
4. Interdisciplinary, Dual, and Create Your Own Majors
Some colleges and universities allow you to double major or create your own. If you choose this route, you’ll meet with your advisor more often to discuss your ideas and progress. Schools generally require you to present your goals to the counselor and get their approval before you can proceed.
5. Course Substitution
Colleges sometimes let students substitute one course for a similar class, either to keep them on track for graduation or to meet career goals.
For instance, if you switch from English to Biology later in your college career, you might not graduate on time without course substitution options. In this case, you could take condensed courses that still meet prerequisites, such as a one-semester biology course that combines Biology 101 and 102.
You can work with your advisor to determine whether you’re eligible for these specialized classes. However, don’t take substituted courses without getting prior approval. They’ll have to sign off on the switch before it counts towards degree requirements.
6. Monitor Academic Progress
Your advisor will keep an eye on your grades. Should your grades drop significantly or you’re not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), they’ll check in with you. Counselors can advise on how you can improve your GPA, including taking advantage of tutoring and other academic resources. If you’re facing personal issues or an emergency, they can talk to you about your options, such as a leave of absence.
If you’re struggling with college or your classes, be honest with your advisor. They’re there to help you! They can point you to the best resources for your needs.
7. And More
College academic advisors also help students navigate academic policies, better understand campus resources, and explore career options. If you have an issue with a professor or you’re in trouble, you can also talk with your counselor for advice.
Tips for Working With Your Advisor
Your academic advisor is there to help you throughout the next four years, so don’t ignore them outside of your yearly meetings! Here are some tips for making the most of the relationship:
- Let them get to know you. The better your advisor knows you, the better they can help. Tell them about your passions, goals, and career aspirations.
- Keep an open mind. You may not love every suggestion the advisor puts forth, but they can show you new options, courses, or career choices that you may not have considered.
- Book meetings early. If your mandatory appointment is coming up, it’s coming up for others, too. Schedule yours as soon as you can. All the best time slots will be gone if you wait too long.
- Follow up. After your meetings, send a follow-up email with any questions or concerns. Advisors work with a lot of students, and a reminder can help them keep on top of your requests.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re ever having trouble keeping on top of your grades or understanding school policies, reach out to them! They can provide advice and direct you towards invaluable resources.
Academic advisors really do have your best interests at heart. They’re there to help you navigate college life when you need it, whether you need assistance with your major, class selection, or something else. Don’t take your academic advisor for granted. The more help and advice you get from an expert, the more successful you’ll be as a student.
Before you declare your major, talk over your options with your advisor. Use College Raptor’s College Major search tool to compare degrees, careers, and more!
