As your advisor I am invested in your academic success and growth. I am here to provide direction, answer questions and help connect you with resources. However, your education and the completion of degree requirements is ultimately your responsibility. It is up to you to make sure you understand the degree requirements, meet with your advisors on a regular basis, and follow through with getting your questions answered. FAQs about advising
| What is the role of my major advisor? | As your major advisor I am here to:
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| Do I need to prepare for an advising meeting? |
Yes.
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| How often do I meet with Dr. Benard? | We will meet at least twice per academic year (see below). I am also available via email and happy to meet in person as needed. It is always helpful when requesting a meeting to let me know when you are available, so we can arrange an appointment. Please plan ahead. I often cannot meet the day you email me (unless there is an emergency). For example, if you forgot to set-up an advising meeting to release your hold, I probably will not be able to meet with you that day (I do not consider this situation an emergency. It’s important that you make note of important dates (academic calender). |
| How do I get my hold released, so I can register? | You may not register for classes until your advising hold has been released. In order for your hold to be released you must meet with your academic advisor. |
| How are holds released, if I have two or more majors? | You will have an advisor for each declared major. If one of your advisors releases your hold, there is nothing to prevent you from registering for classes. It is up to you to make sure you make an appointment with your other advisor to make sure that you are on track for that major and/or minor. |
| What will be accomplished in an advising meeting? | This is a time to discuss any concerns, questions and issues you may have. We will go over degree requirements and map your progress. We will discuss your schedule for the next term and beyond to make sure you are on track. |
| When can I register? | Time of registration depends on credit hours. |
| What is an “Academic Requirement (ARR)” Report on SIS? | An academic requirement report (ARR) shows what classes you have completed, classes in progress, and planned courses (if you put classes in your shopping cart). The ARR is very helpful because it indicates what requirements have been fulfilled, and what is still required in order to earn your degree. As a student you may generate the ARR on your own. I recommend you looking at this report before you meet with me. Your advisor can also generate a ARR report. When we meet I bring up the ARR report on SIS, so we can discuss your progress. |
| How do I generate an Academic Requirement Report? |
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| What is a “What if” (WI) Report? | A WI report allows you to generate an ARR for a potential plan of study. For example, if you are considering a double major in Biology and English the WI report will tell you what classes you need to take. The WI report takes into account the classes you have completed, in progress, and planned courses (those in your shopping cart). |
| I am considering declaring a second major, minor, etc., but I don’t know how I can fit it in. What do I do? | Generate a “what if” report (see above) |
| I am pre-health. What classes do I need to take? | I highly recommend you make an appointment with the pre-heath advisor. |
| I am interested in conducting independent research in Biology for credit. How do I do that? | Independent Research Link |
Advising Resources
| Undergraduate Studies | Educational Services for Students | Financial Aid |
| Registrar’s Office | Career Center | International Student Services |
| Additional Resources | General Bulletin |