Advisor

Role of the Academic Advisor
Role of the Student

Who is my academic advisor?

The name of your assigned academic advisor is listed in your Student Center in MyMadison.  

How to Find your Academic Advisor in MyMadison.

Contact details can be found in the Campus Directory.

Why do I have more than one academic advisor?

Students may have more than one academic advisor if they have declared a second major, minor, a pre-professional program, are an athlete or a member of the honors college. 

Students should plan to consult the office, department, and/or advisor for any additional programs that they have declared to make sure that they meet all academic requirements.

What if an academic advisor is not listed in MyMadison?

If you are a current student with no academic advisor displayed in MyMadison:

  • Contact the office for the academic program you have a question about.  
  • If undeclared/exploratory, contact University Advising

New first-year and transfer students will be assigned to an advisor by following steps in the Orientation One Book

If you have trouble identifying or connecting with your advisor, visit the Madison Advising Peers or contact the department office for your major


Role of the Academic Advisor

Each assigned academic advisor serves as a resource for students in providing information and assistance with the following tasks:

  1. Helps with academic planning and decision-making
  2. Explains requirements for General Education, major and degree program
  3. Makes sure that students understand how their academic decisions affect their progress towards meeting graduation requirements
  4. Refers students to other campus resources as needed
  5. Guides students' academic choices with regard to their long-term academic and career goals

While the academic advisor can be an invaluable resource for students, responsibility for final decisions about choice of major, courses that students register for, and fulfillment of all graduation requirements belongs to the student.


Role of the Student

Academic advising is an experience shared between the academic advisor and the student.  While each assigned academic advisor can be a very helpful resource and can assist students with their academic decision-making, students are responsible for the following tasks:

  1. Review the undergraduate catalog and understand the academic requirements for:
    • General Education
    • Major(s)
    • Minor(s)
    • Pre-professional Program(s)
    • Degree  
  2. Know who their academic advisor is including their office location and contact information. Look up the advisor's contact information in the campus directory.
  3. Be well prepared prior to meeting with their academic advisor.  Assemble the appropriate documents and either take hard copies or be prepared to access electronic copies during the advising appointment.  These documents may include: general education program study planner, a copy of the student's transcript or degree progress report, a checklist of required major courses, pre-requisite or recommended coursework for a pre-professional or licensure program. Prepare a list of questions about courses to take the next semester and fulfilling graduation requirements.
  4. Seek assistance with questions about enrolling in classes well before the registration appointment time. Don't wait until the last minute!
  5. Develop and maintain a relationship with your advisor(s). Share career goals and any special needs with the advisor. Advisors are important contacts for recommendations for study abroad programs, internships, graduate schools, and employment.
  6. Consult the assigned academic advisor throughout the academic career since the major advisor will be signing graduation application forms.

Please note:

It is important that students go to their academic advisor for assistance, however, the final responsibility for making choices and for the consequences of these choices belong to the student alone. 

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