Preparing for an Appointment with an Academic Advisor
Your academic advisor is an important part of your U of A Support System. Your advising appointment is a chance to ask questions, talk about your experiences, make plans, and connect with someone who wants to help you succeed.
A little preparation can help you get the most out of your conversation.
Know the Details
Make sure you know:
- Who your academic advisor is
- When your appointment is
- Where you need to go if it is in person
- How you will connect if it is online (Zoom or Teams)
Bring Something to Take Notes
Use a notebook, your phone, or a file on your computer to keep track of your advising appointments and important information. Taking notes during your appointment can help you remember recommendations, questions to follow up on, and next steps.
Think About Your Experience So Far
Be ready to talk about what your first term has been like. Your advisor wants to know about you, not just your classes.
Think about:
- What is your favorite class so far?
- Have you joined a club or student organization?
- Have you used a campus resource?
- Have you discovered something you are excited about?
- Is there something you are finding challenging?
Share it! Your advising appointment is an opportunity to connect with a campus professional who wants you to succeed.
Write Down Your Questions
Questions are an important part of advising. Write them down before your appointment so you don't forget to ask them.
For example:
- How does the next registration cycle work?
- What courses should I consider for my next semester?
- Do I have ideas for courses that I would like to take?
- How do my AP, IB, dual-enrollment, or previous college credits apply to my degree?
- Are all of my transfer or other credits showing on my student record?
Don't worry if you don't know what to ask. Your advisor can help you identify the information you need.
Your Advisement Report is a degree audit that shows the requirements you need to complete for your degree program at UA. Reviewing it before your appointment can help you understand where you are in your degree and prepare questions for your advisor.
It can also be a helpful tool as you build your schedule and plan toward graduation.
How to Find Your Advisement Report
- Go to UAccess Student Center and sign in.
- Select the ADVISING tab.
- Open the ADVISING drop-down menu.
- Select ADVISEMENT REPORT.
- Select View Report As PDF to download and save a copy.
Learn how to generate your Advisement Report.
If something on your report is unclear—especially how your AP, IB, transfer, or other credits apply to your degree—ask your advisor.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions
There is no such thing as a "dumb" question when you are working with your academic advisor. Asking questions is one of the best ways to understand your options and make informed decisions about your college experience.
Your advisor is also a great connection to other people and resources across campus. If they don't know the answer, they can usually help connect you with someone who does.
Be Honest
Honesty is an important part of the advisor-student relationship. If you are struggling with a course, feeling overwhelmed, unsure about your major, or facing another challenge, let your advisor know.
The more your advisor understands about your experiences, goals, and challenges, the better they can help you identify resources and next steps.
Your advisor can also help you understand what will be required to reach your academic goals—including the time, effort, and planning involved.
Come prepared, ask questions, and be yourself. Your advising appointment is your time to connect, explore your options, and plan your next steps.
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