This resource is designed to help you make the most of your academic advising experience at UT and to assist you in preparing for your advising appointment at the different stages of your academic career. Please click on your appropriate year to find helpful resources and tips, contact information for academic departments or Colleges, ways to prepare for your advising appointment, and what to do following your advising appointment.

Preparing for Your Advising Appointment

Many situations arise during your academic experience in which informed academic and career advice is helpful. The objective of the advising system at UT is to help you at each stage of your undergraduate experience define the choices you must make and to provide you any guidance necessary.

This resource is designed to help you make the most of your academic advising experience at UT and to assist you in preparing for your advising appointment at the different stages of your academic career. Please click on your appropriate year to find helpful resources and tips, contact information for academic departments or Colleges, ways to prepare for your advising appointment, and what to do following your advising appointment.

What should you expect of your advisor?

• Your advisor will be accessible to you during reasonable hours.
• Your advisor will understand the curriculum, graduation requirements, and university policies.
• Your advisor will provide accurate information.
• Your advisor will discuss specific university, college, and departmental requirements, procedures, and deadlines.
• Your advisor will help you define and develop realistic goals and discuss the linkage between academic preparation and career opportunities.
• Your advisor will assist you in planning programs of study, both short-term and long-term, that are consistent with your abilities and interests; such as course load, academic background, program demands, and employment or personal commitments.
• Your advisor refers you to other services, departments, and specific individuals as special needs are identified.
• Your advisor will help you identify special needs and acquaint you with services and programs provided by the college and the university.
• Your advisor will respect your right to privacy of educational records and discuss confidential information only with appropriate individuals and for the purpose of serving your best interests.
• Your advisor will help you assume responsibility for your decisions and actions.

What are you responsible for?

• You should schedule and attend your advising appointment prior to your registration eligibility date.
• You must monitor your own progress, and seek advice from your advisor, so that you stay on schedule toward graduation in four years.
• You should take an active role in your advising session by being prepared to discuss your goals and educational plans.
• You should complete 30-36 semesters hours of credit hours each year.
• You need to be prepared for each appointment with questions and/or material for discussion.
• You must ask questions if you do not understand an issue or have a specific concern.
• You should understand degree requirements of colleges and majors you are considering.
• You should be aware of drop/add deadlines and additional university requirements.
• You must make and be responsible for your own decisions.
• You should maintain good academic standing as determined by the department and college offering your major.
• You should silence your cell phone prior to advising appointments.
• You should follow-up on referrals and inform your advisor of the outcome of referrals.

Remember that you, and not your advisor, bear the ultimate responsibility for selecting courses, meeting course pre-requisites and graduation requirements, and adhering to University policies and procedures.

Also, be sure to view the academic advising syllabus prior to your advising appointment. This syllabus helps illustrate your responsibility in your academic planning and path towards graduation. It identifies clear goals to assist you in developing and implementing sound educational plans that are consistent with your values and academic and career goals. It further defines your academic advisor’s role in encouraging you to become a self-directed learner and decision maker. Please feel free to use this resource to understand further the purpose and importance of academic advising at UT.