Advising Center
My Advising Experience in Fulbright College
My academic advisor is one of the most important connections I have at the University of Arkansas. This is a person who cares about my educational experience and helps me to be a thoughtful, well-informed student who will make good academic decisions throughout college.
What my advisor does:
- helps me understand the meaning and relevance of the college experience
- assists me in developing an educational plan based on my interests, abilities and needs
- interprets University policies, procedures and requirements
- refers me to appropriate resources
- addresses my academic questions and concerns
- adheres to the highest principles of ethical behavior
- guides me in my selection of courses
What I do:
- take responsibility for my educational experience
- maintain contact with my advisor throughout the semester
- assess my interests, abilities and needs and discuss these with my advisor
- clarify my educational and personal goals
- use the Catalog of Studies and other resources to become knowledgeable of academic requirements, policies and procedures
- know important dates (registration, drop/add, final exams, etc) as listed on the Semester Calendar
- discuss my selection of courses with my advisor
- meet regularly with my advisor to discuss my academic progress
- arrive for appointments on time and prepared (Write down questions!)
When to see my advisor:
I see my advisor any time I have questions or concerns regarding my academic experience. The following outline is a guide to certain kinds of advising at specific times of the academic year.
August
Drop or Add Classes: See advisor during first week of school if I need to change my schedule, such as drop or add classes.
September
Check In: Visit with my advisor to discuss my educational plan, including my progress and any changes in my interests.
Academic Progress Review: Make an appointment with the Fulbright College Advising Center, 575-3307, if my cumulative grade-point average is below 2.0.
Degree Progress Check for Juniors: Once I have between 60-89 completed hours, make an appointment with the Fulbright College Advising Center, 575-3307, to review my remaining degree requirements.
October
Registration Advising: Make an appointment with my advisor to discuss classes for the Spring semester.
Deadline to Drop a Class: I will see my advisor to discuss any problems I am having with a class. The deadline to drop a single class is during this month.
November
Register for Classes: After being advised, I register for classes. I will contact my advisor if I have any problems or questions.
December
Deadline to Withdrawal: I will contact my advisor if I feel I need to withdrawal from all my classes this semester. The deadline to with withdrawal is the last day of classes (the day before Dead Day).
January
Drop or Add Classes: See advisor during first week of school if I need to change my schedule, such as drop or add classes.
February
Check In: Visit with my advisor to discuss my educational plan, including my progress and any changes in my interests.
Academic Progress Review: Make an appointment with the Fulbright College Advising Center, 575-3307, if my cumulative grade-point average is below 2.0.
Degree Progress Check for Juniors: Once I have between 60-89 completed hours, make an appointment with the Fulbright College Advising Center, 575-3307, to review my remaining degree requirements.
March
Registration Advising: Make an appointment with my advisor to discuss classes for the Summer and/or Fall semester.
Deadline to Drop a Class: I will see my advisor to discuss any problems I’m having with a class. The deadline to drop a single class is during this month.
April
Register for Classes: After being advised, I register for classes. I will contact my advisor if I have any problems or questions.
May
Deadline to Withdrawal: I will contact my advisor if I feel I need to withdrawal from all my classes this semester. The deadline to with withdrawal is the last day of classes (before finals begin).
Summer
Advisors are available during the summer, but they will be involved in new student orientation during most of June. If I have a question or concern, I should contact my advisor by phone or email to make an appointment.
What I should learn from my advising experience and when:
Freshman Year (0-29 hours)
Know my advisor's name and how to contact him/her.
Become familiar with Fulbright College core requirements.
Be able to navigate ISIS.
Become familiar with the information in the Catalog of Studies.
Become familiar with the UA academic calendar (deadlines, add/drop dates, etc.)
Explore academic, career, and personal interests.
Discover/access my skills, strengths, and weaknesses.
Become familiar with campus services (Center for Educational Access, Career Development Center, Enhanced Learning Center, Quality Writing Center, Health Center, Student Activities, etc.)
Sophomore Year (30-59 hours)
Begin to narrow down your interests in order to determine a major.
Explore course requirements for potential majors and start to make faculty contacts in the departments.
Consider experiences that will help you clarify goals and interests (cooperative education, internships, volunteerism, study abroad, etc.)
Consider if your strengths and interests fit your major/career choice through discussions with your advisor and a career counselor in the Career Development Center.
Begin to develop a resume, cover letter, and portfolio.
Junior Year (60-89 hours)
Get to know your faculty advisor.
Complete a degree progress check to determine classes still needed to meet major and graduations requirements.
Research multiple career options within your field of study to determine best fit.
Begin the networking process; consider participating in career/employment fairs.
Identify and address additional education/skills needed for employment or for graduate school.
Senior Year (90+ hours)
Begin the graduation application process.
Research employment or graduate school options and begin applying.
Prepare to market myself to potential employers/graduate schools by articulating my skills and knowledge acquired through my course of study.
Polish my resume, cover letter, and portfolio.