Up Next: Academic Advising

By Roxie Catts, Director, Advising Resource Center

Academic advising is a collaborative relationship between a student and an academic advisor. The intent of this collaboration is to assist the student in developing meaningful educational goals that are consistent with personal interests, values and abilities. Although many individuals on campus, including academic advisors, may assist the student in making decisions and accomplishing goals, the academic advisor is granted formal authority by an academic unit to approve the student's academic program of study and assist the student in progressing toward the appropriate degree in a timely fashion.

Effective academic advising also helps the student utilize the extensive network of academic support services available on campus, and empowers the student to realize the full undergraduate experience at the University of Arizona. Achievement of this end requires the ongoing involvement of the student, one or more academic advisors, and the institution. There are two topics students should discuss with their academic advisor(s) this spring semester.

Priority Registration

Registration for summer 2008 classes is currently underway and Priority Registration for Fall 2008 will begin the week of March 24th and continue through April 25th. Students should check their Student Link account for confirmation of their priority registration week, and if they have questions with regards to their registration week, they should ask their academic advisor for clarification. Equally important is for students to meet with their academic advisor as soon as possible to discuss their registration plans for the summer and fall terms. Students will optimize their chances of getting the schedule they want if they are prepared and take advantage of priority registration. Hint: There is less wait time to get an appointment with an academic advisor during non-priority registration times, and meeting with an advisor before or even during spring break is a good way to beat the rush.

Looking to the Future

It is easy for any of us to get caught up in the here and now, the paper that is due next week, the performance that requires more practice, and so on. Academic advisors can be a great resource to help students to think beyond the moment and consider what experiences, courses, internships, etc. they should pursue to help prepare for their future career. Advisors can coach students to take advantage of opportunities and resources they may not otherwise realize exist. Oftentimes students miss the importance of cultivating meaningful and long lasting relationships with faculty members who can be an invaluable resource when the student is preparing for graduation and needs a letter of recommendation for graduate school or employment opportunities. Advisors can help students to key in on important aspects of their education and undergraduate experience so they are prepared for their future as a UA alum.

Help Us to Help Your Student

The next time you speak with your student ask them if they have met recently with their academic advisor. If they have not, please encourage them to do so right away. Current contact information for all of the UA academic advisors can be found at the Advising Resource Center (ARC) website at www.advising.arizona.edu

Roxie Catts can be contacted via email at catts@u.arizona.edu.