Advising TIPS for students

STUDENT ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

WHY WOULD I MEET AN ACADEMIC ADVISOR?

• To assist in developing an educational plan consistent with life goals and objectives.
• To receive signed approval for each semester's courses.
• To learn specific departmental requirements and associated time lines.
• To drop or add a course.
• To monitor progress toward graduation.
• To understand degree requirements.
• To review transfer credits.
• To discuss academic problems or concerns.
• To receive referrals to other institutional or community support services.
• To clarify academic policies and procedures.
• To find out how to change my major.

STUDENT ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE ADVISING PARTNERSHIP

• To take initiative to meet with one's advisor at least once a semester.
• To contact and make an appointment with advisor when needed or requested
• To notify advisor of changes in appointment times.
• To adequately prepare for all advising sessions (see suggestions in next section on how to best prepare).
• To take responsibility for decisions made and follow through on actions discussed and identified during advising session.
• To maintain an up-to-date personal academic file of your Graduation Checklist, grade reports, transfer credits, etc.
• To know and meet basic university, college, and departmental graduation requirements of chosen major and minor.
• To become knowledgeable about institutional policies, procedures, and requirements.
• To become familiar with and appropriately use campus and community services available to assist in educational and career planning.
• To develop measurable educational and career goals and identify ways to assess progress toward these goals.
• To challenge one's self to understand personal values, interests and skills, and to responsibly engage in the advising process.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR REGISTRATION APPOINTMENT:

• Sign-up for an appointment time on the CS Registration Appointment Schedule (you cannot meet with an advisor during registration with one). Schedule an advising appointment at least 24 hours in advance.
• Obtain a schedule of courses, registration form, and a blank course schedule worksheet from the Registrar's Office.
• Review courses completed toward fulfillment of graduation requirements. Review the Computer Science Curriculum Requirements in the Catalog for the appropriate classes to take for your academic standing.
• Come prepared with a list of preferred and alternate courses for the next semester.
• Bring a pen or pencil.
• Bring your personal academic file with you, which might include your checklist, grade reports, transcripts, transfer credit petitions, etc.
• Come prepared with a list of questions that you want to ask your advisor about your degree progress or career suggestions (see list of sample questions in the next section).

TYPICAL QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR ADVISOR

• Can I have an updated copy of my Graduation Checklist?
• Which courses do I still need to complete?
• What is the progress I have made toward my major? What is my overall and CS GPA?
• What career-related recommendations do you have for me at this time (for example, internships, graduate school or suggested elective courses)?

CAREER RESOURCES

" Helping students link their education to the world of work ."

The career exploration and job search process is a personal journey of self-understanding, goals, and strategies. The following sites will provide you with important checkpoints you will encounter during your journey and the resources available to you to assist you with your educational and career development at Polytechnic University.

The staff of the Office of Career Planning & Placement and the Academic Advising Office for Deciding Students can assist you to begin or continue the career exploration and job search process. You can find our offices located on the third floor of Jacobs Hall. Enjoy your Journey!