Both the advisor and the student share the responsibility of actively participating in the process of academic advisement. Students may find the following tips helpful as they work through the advising process:
Explore your academic, career, and personal goals by devising a list of short- and long-term goals. Then track your progress on a regular basis.
Become knowledgeable of and adhere to academic policies, procedures, and requirements.
Utilize available resources, including those that are web-based, to monitor your academic progress.
Be aware of graduation requirements for your major; familiarize yourself with the undergraduate student catalog (see determining catalog year).
Initiate contact with your faculty advisor early in the semester
Come prepared to your advising sessions with a potential schedule for the upcoming semester.
Prepare a list of questions before each meeting with your advisor; actively participate in the advising session by asking for clarification on points you don’t fully understand.
Access and use MyIUP for academic updates, scheduling, and information gathering.
Read your IUP e-mail and other important communication tools provided by IUP and/or your faculty advisor.
Know the Academic Calendar. Do not miss deadlines: know when to register and when to drop/add each semester.
Schedule courses consistent with those required for your major/minor/second major in order to meet graduation requirements.
Accept responsibility for all academic decisions you make; your faculty advisor will present you with options.
Learn how to read your Degree Works Profile in MyIUP and how to use the “what if” option.
Consider course options before you meet your advisor.
Become familiar with important advising dates during the semester, such as when scheduling begins, drop/add, and withdrawals deadlines.
Learn how to use the GPA calculator in MyIUP.
Make an appointment with your advisor early in the semester.
Prepare a list of questions and topics to discuss with your advisor each time you meet.
Read advising e-mails sent to you throughout the semester.