Tips for a Successful Advisement Meeting

 

Preparing for an Academic Advising Appointment

Prior to meeting with your advisor, gather materials that are pertinent to your appointment. For
example, if you are meeting with an advisor to discuss course scheduling, you should bring:

• your copy of the UMD Catalog
• a prepared list of classes you're considering
• a copy of your APAS report

Regardless of why you're meeting with your advisor, it is always wise to create a list of questions
you hope to have answered during the appointment.

Having a Successful Conversation with Your Advisor

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Your academic advisor is there to answer them. Don't fear
that your question is a "dumb" question. Degree requirements and UMD policies and procedures
are complex, and asking questions is an important first step in making sense of them.

Take an active role in your advising sessions. Come to your appointment prepared and speak
up if you have questions or concerns. Doing so could mean the difference between an effective
academic plan and experiencing frustrations throughout your college experience. Take notes
during the session. For instance, if your advisor refers you to another office, write down the
name of the office and its location.

Get to know your academic advisor. Establishing a good relationship with your advisor will
give you a resource to help you with a wide range of issues.

Establishing Realistic Expectations of Your Advising Appointment

Keep the following items in mind when meeting with your advisor:

• Your advisor will not have all the answers but should be willing to find out where you
  can get the answers.
• Your advisor will not make decisions for you. You must make them for yourself.
• Your advisor cannot circumvent policies and procedures. Your advisor can advocate for
  you but cannot bypass established procedures.
• Don’t assume your advisor will remember what you talked about at your last
  appointment. Keep your own notes, and remind your advisor of key points from your last
  discussion.

Link to Additional Information on the Web

View Your APAS Report www.d.umn.edu/Register/
UMD Catalog www.d.umn.edu/catalogs/current/umd/