Advising Prep

Preparing for the Advising Appointment

The following preparation steps can help students make the most of the appointment with the Major Advisor:

• Review academic progress by using Degree Works and the Academic MAP to understand progress toward degree completion, identifying any questions or concerns.
• Reflect on academic and career goals by considering interests, potential majors, minors, careers, and other areas of professional or personal development.
• Develop a Course Registration Plan using Plan Ahead to create a proposed schedule for the upcoming semester. A full-time course load typically includes 15 credit hours minimum, with the proposed schedule reflecting degree requirements, academic goals, and individual circumstances.
• Identify questions and topics to discuss with the Major Advisor, including academic plans, career interests, challenges, or campus resources.
• Complete the Advising Prep Worksheet to organize thoughts, questions, and goals before the advising appointment.

Know Where to Turn When Preparing for Advising

• Company Advisors provide additional support within each company and help connect cadets with academic resources.
• Cadet Academic Teams encourage peers, share resources, and promote academic success within their companies.
• Advising Facilitators support the advising process within their assigned school of study by providing resources, guidance, and coordination for students and advisors.

Together, these groups help students prepare for advising, make informed decisions, and take ownership of their academic planning.

The Advising Conversation

Major Advisors are students’ primary academic advisors and conduct the official advising appointment, providing individualized guidance related to academic progress, course planning, and degree completion.

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.

Bring completed preparation and questions to the advising appointment. During the advising appointment, students and Major Advisors can discuss academic progress, the proposed Course Registration Plan, academic and professional goals, and any questions or concerns that may affect academic plans.

Course Registration

Once the advising appointment is complete and the Advising Hold has been lifted, students are ready to register for courses when the assigned registration window opens.

Course Registration opens based on Academic Classification (e.g., Freshman 4A/4B, Sophomore 3A/3B, etc.). Students are responsible for registering during the assigned registration window. To find the specific registration date, check the Academic Calendar for the current term.

Advisors remain available to help answer questions and address concerns throughout the registration process.