What is advising?

A shared partnership between you and a professional who is there to help you achieve your educational goals.

• Attention
• Confidentiality
• Accuracy
• Respect
• Support

• Make a genuine effort
• Carefully plan
• Communicate honestly
• Become actively interested
• Take personal responsibility
• Keep your advisor informed
• Ask questions!  Use the questions in the next section as a guide or download the printable Questions to Ask Your Advisor (Word)

1. What are the Disciplinary Lens courses and which ones to I need to take?
2. What are the requirements for the major I’m considering?
3. Do classes have to be taken in sequence?
4. Can I change my major?
5. How can I get my advising hold removed?
6. What is Finish in Four?
7. How many classes should I take each semester?
8. How many credits do I need to be full time?
9. Can I test out of any classes?
10. What other resources are there I can take advantage of?
11. What happens if I drop a class?
12. Can I repeat a class?
13. What happens if I’m on Academic Probation?
14. What is SAP?
15. What can you tell me about getting a minor?

• Required advising (RAD) for first-semester students
• Each semester to confirm next semester’s schedule
• If you are confused, struggling, uncertain
• The semester prior to graduation to plan/track steps

Advisors are available year round to provide continuous support whenever students feel they could benefit.

• Set semester goals
• Academic support
• Learn how classes fulfill requirements
• Finish in Four
• Extra/Co-curricular activities
• Tutoring/Learning Assistance
• Explore different study areas of interest
• Determine your plan for continuing semesters

• Boise State’s policy and procedures, especially those related to academic progress, academic probation, academic dismissal, GPA requirements, and academic deadlines.
• What careers might I expect to work in with my major?
• How does my major relate to my career goals?
• Are there any clubs or organizations related to my major that I should join?
• How can I learn more about internship opportunities in my major?

Examples:

• Undergraduate catalog
• Schedule of classes for that term
• Advisors contact information and faculty/staff office hours
• Your Academic Advising Report (AAR), Degree Tracker, or Four-Year Plan
• Syllabi

• Be on time
• Come with a list of questions
• Accept responsibility for your decisions; ultimately your advisor is providing recommendations. You will make the final decision. Be willing to accept the consequences.