Advising Prep
Advising Prep is designed to help students approach advising with clarity, confidence, and a plan by equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and reflection needed to understand degree requirements, set goals, and build thoughtful course schedules before meeting with their advisors. By emphasizing preparation and shared responsibility, Advising Prep transforms advising into a proactive, student-centered planning process. The result is more efficient advising conversations and stronger academic outcomes for students.
Resources to Prepare for Advising Session
Download the following resources to prepare you for your Advising session!
Bring Completed to your Advising!
A strong plan = Easy Registration
Review important topics of Advising Prep
Advising Prep PLS
The Advising Prep PLS presentation, led by the Advising Facilitators and Cadet Academic Team, provides an interactive walkthrough to help freshmen and sophomores prepare confidently for their advising sessions. Students are introduced to and reminded of key advising topics, including:
- Degree planning tools (Degree Works, Academic Maps, Plan Ahead)
- Registration timelines and expectations
- Academic and career goal setting
- Topics to discuss with their Major Advisor
- Campus resources and advising support networks
- A clear checklist for what to complete before meeting their advisor
Cadet Academic Team Support
The Cadet Academic Team will continue to support students as they get ready for their advising session. The role of the Academic Officers (AOs) is to help students stay on track and make the process as smooth as possible. This includes:
- Debriefing topics covered in the Advising Prep PLS: Reviewing key areas will help students dive deeper into preparing for their advising session.
- Completing a Course Registration Plan: If a plan in the Plan Ahead feature (see step-by-step above) hasn’t been completed, an AO will reach out to provide the appropriate guidance needed.
- Advising Prep Worksheet support: AOs will help make sure the Advising Prep Worksheet is completed so the student will be ready for the advising session.
The Advising Session
The Advising Period begins two weeks before course registration opens. Students should be proactive in scheduling the appointment with their Major Advisor, as this is a busy time and availability fills quickly. During this meeting, the advisor will review the course registration plan and lift the Advising Hold so they are eligible to register once the registration window opens.
Come to sessions prepared. Major Advisors will expect their advisees to:
- Have completed the Advising Prep Worksheet
- Have built at least one Course Registration Plan with a recommended minimum of 15 credit hours
- Take ownership of their own academic goals and be ready to discuss interests and next steps
- Be honest, ask questions, and communicate any concerns or challenges
Course Registration
Course Registration opens based on the student’s Academic Classification (i.e. Freshman 4A/4B, Sophomore 3A/3B, etc.). With the Course Registration Plan already built in Plan Ahead, students can register quickly and confidently.