Freshman Advising | Divsion of Student Affairs (2024)

All students within First Year Program are assigned to Advisors who monitor their progress, help them prepare for the future and serve as a campus resource. Freshman advising is the initial building block of establishing a solid foundation at the university. The advising experience begins in new student orientation. You will meet with a freshman advisor to select your mandatory block schedule and begin the initial review the degree requirements of your chosen major. You and your advisor will work closely with one another throughout the academic year developing your graduation plan which will aid in the identification of your career and life goals. For those who might not know what they want to do yet, do not worry. We have you covered. You will work with an advising specialist who will help guide you as you find the perfect major.

Mandatory Advising

All students have mandatory advising required before they will be cleared to register for the upcoming semester. You are required to meet your advisor five (5) times each semester. That may seem like a lot, but it is not nearly enough. Your advisor is your best resource and advocate who will help you through both academic challenges and outside issues that may impact your academic performance. You should have your first meeting early in the semester within the first two weeks of the beginning of term. Subsequent appointments should happen around academic warning periods.You are encouraged to meet with your advisor as much as you choose.

To schedule an appointment, simply contact your advisisor by major. Scroll down to see the list of Advisors by Majors.

Before your first advising appointment, please reviewtheAdvising Agreement and Advising Checklist.

Advising Agreement COMING SOON

Advising Checklist COMING SOON

Sophom*ore advising supports sophom*ores (30-59 credit hours) as they further their degree completion and broaden their intellectual goals. Sophom*ore advising builds upon the first-year advising model which includes review of degree requirements, modification of graduation plans, and emphasis on increased use of campus resources. During this pivotal year, students are encouraged to finalize their major selection. Students will clarify career and life goals as they work closely with their Advisor to ensure they have all information and tools needed to make such an important decision.

Students will meet regularly with their Advisor. Scroll down to see you Advisors by Majors.

Appointment Types:

1. Graduation Plan: During this meeting, students will review their graduation plan with their Advisor to determine if they are matriculating effectively. Students should be prepared to ask questions about major curriculum, courses, and time to degree completion.
2. Pre-Registration: During this appointment, advisor and student will discuss courses to be taken the subsequent term. This meeting takes place prior to the enrollment period. This is an extremely important appointment in that it will help students better plan for the upcoming term and alleviate stress surrounding registration.
3. Registration: Students will meet with advisor to get registration pin and finalize class selection based on the class schedule. This appointment is made easier if students have already met with their advisor to create a plan.
4. Academic Plan: Students who need to get back on track should meet with their Advisor to develop a plan to help them do so.
5. Academic Warnings: Students should meet with advisors during the warning period in order to discuss any issues they may have and to get assistance.

See this academic major reportfor the state of Illinois. This tool contains useful data on how graduates from different majors are doing in the labor market:

• How much money are they earning?
• What industries are they working in?
• How much debt do they graduate with?
• What occupations are they likely to hold?
• Whether declaring an initial major, or switching majors, use this tool to better inform you of your choices!