Steps to Successful Advising

Beginning of Semester

• Have you double checked that you are accurately registered for your courses?
• Do you have your textbooks?
• Do you still need to send in transcripts from another college?
• Have you set up your Columbus State email account and check it regularly for important updates?
• Do you have your parking pass and student ID card?
• Are you aware of important dates and deadlines for the semester?
• Have you reviewed all of your syllabi? Have you made a note of all your due dates?
• Is your course schedule as manageable as you thought?
• Do you know how to contact your faculty if you have questions?
• Are you struggling with any of your courses? Do you think you will need help?
• Have you found a quiet spot to study that you can go to on a regular basis?
• Is your financial aid in place for next semester?
• Is this your final semester? Do you need to turn in your petition to graduate?

Mid Semester

• Begin thinking about what course you will take next semester.
• Set up an appointment with your academic advisor so you can be ready to register.
• How are you doing in your courses? Check your grade status with your instructor(s).

End of Semester

• Review your degree audit (DARS).
• Are you accurately registered for your next semester?
• Have you checked your final grades?

Your role as a student for successful advising:

• See your advisor at least once during the first three to six weeks of your first semester or before you register for the next semester.
• Call early to schedule an appointment and arrive on time.
• Maintain a file of your advising materials including: educational options you are exploring, your list of questions, coursework for next quarter, future goals, potential careers and colleges you are considering.
  
  Please bring these materials with you to your appointment. Know all of your academic options.
  
  
• Create an outline of the classes you will take each semester until you graduate.
• Follow what to do each step of the semester.
• Keep in touch with your advisor by appointment, phone or email.

Your advisor's role for successful advising:

• Answer general questions concerning your education including which courses to schedule in the next semester..
• Identify resources to help with career decision making and choosing a major.
• Help you develop a semester-by-semester plan to satisfy your degree requirements.
• Talk to you about your academic progress and strengths and weaknesses.
• Discuss ways to improve your study skills and how to handle difficulties you may have in your coursework.
• Assist you in long-term planning for transferring credit to another institution.