Maximizing your advising relationship

Advising is a relationship.  CSU supports the establishment of a relationship with your academic advisor.  Just as with any other relationship, it takes time to grow.  You are assigned an academic advisor upon your admission to the university.  If you would rather contact your advisor as needed, that is perfectly fine.  However, your advisor is here to help you with degree decisions, course selection, and many other academic decisions.  Further, your advisor is also available to discuss your life and struggles so he/she can get to know you better.  That way, your advisor can help you select courses that might best suit your needs and life circumstances.  

Your academic advisor also has a different perspective and can work with you to help navigate difficult situations. Most importantly, your academic advisor is committed to helping you be successful.

The importance of regular communication with your advisor

  • To ensure you are taking courses that will apply to your degree
  • To be aware of industry trends and other resources that will help you in your chosen field
  • To know that you have choices to make and when to make them
  • For moral support and encouragement

The importance of appointment scheduling

Your academic advisor has regular office hours, and you can contact your advisor at any time. If you have an issue that you would like to discuss at length, an appointment is recommended so your advisor can take the time to review notes in your file and be prepared to answer your questions.

Why advising is important

  • Your advisor is a resource; he or she can offer advice, listen and refer you to academic support if needed. 
  • Your advisor can assist you with course selection and other options that may fulfill program requirements.  Your advisor can also assist with aligning your academic goals with personal and career goals.
  • Your advisor can help you project ahead as much as the program will allow when helping you plan your academic schedules. 
  • Your advisor can assist in choosing electives and other optional courses that best suit your interests and goals.
  • Your advisor can help to ensure that you complete all courses required in your program and do not complete any unnecessary courses – avoiding wasting time and money.
  • Your advisor can help you put together an enrollment plan that best fits your schedule – taking into consideration your work and family schedule and the requirements of your degree and individual courses.

Recommended Program Check Points

Although you will come in contact with many staff and faculty, your main point of contact will be your academic advisor throughout your educational journey at CSU. We recommend that you maintain regular contact with your academic advisor. The following are some of the recommended check points although you may want or need to contact your advisor more often.

  1. Initial Advising Session

    Held with new students prior to or in the first week of initial courses.  Get to know your advisor and establish advising expectations. Establish a plan of enrollment and discuss your goals and your schedule.

  2. Mid-First Enrollment Period

    Held with students around week four of first courses.

  3. 6 month Follow Up (3rd Enrollment period)

    Connect with your advisor to see where you stand at the half way mark of your first year of courses.

  4. Approaching Graduation

    Within 12 hours of degree completion

Other times your academic advisor will contact you

  • If you’re struggling in courses
  • If you fail a course
  • If you haven’t enrolled in a course in 15 days
  • Low GPA
  • Excessive withdrawals
  • Academic dismissal warning
  • Delayed enrollments