Preparing For Your Advising Meetings

What is Academic Advising?

Academic Advising is a relationship in which the student and adviser are partners in planning academic, personal and career goals. It fosters intellectual and personal development that leads to academic success and self-directed life-long learning. This partnership requires proactive participation and involvement by both parties. Both parties have clear responsibilities for ensuring that this partnership is successful. (NACADA, 2005 & Student Advising and Learning Center at Washington State University)


Student Responsibilities:

• Schedule regular appointments (minimum of 1 appointment each semester MANDATORY) 
• Gather all necessary information and questions prior to meeting 
• Discuss any problems that impact academic performance 
• Know where to access accurate information about requirements, policies and procedures 
• Discuss career goals, changing directions, interests and majors 
• Keep a personal record of your progress toward your degree (degree plan) 
• Accept responsibility for your decisions and your actions that affect your academic career and life goals

Advisor Responsibilities: 

• Maintain confidentiality within the advising relationship 
• Be knowledgeable and attentive during advising sessions 
• Encourage and guide students as they develop academic goals and pursue their degree 
• Understand and effectively communicate the curriculum, graduation requirements and university, college and department policies and procedures 
• Encourage and support all students with information and strategies for utilizing the available resources and services at the University of Idaho and in the community

Checklist for your advising meeting: 

     List of classes for next semester 
     Copy of Degree Audit Report 
     Degree Checklist (if you are looking at a certain major) 
     Career Goals or questions about career exploration 
     Questions about other issues you have had this semester