Student Advising Guide

Please read this entire guide before you schedule your appointment.

What we can do for you
When to see us
Who to see
Things to think about before you schedule your appointment
Things to think about before you meet with your advisor
What to bring to your appointment
Getting the most out of your appointment
What to do after your appointment
Important considerations
Additional resources

What we can do for you

Advisors at the Undergraduate Advising Center help you take ownership of your education. We assist your efforts to:

Understand degree and admission requirements for majors and schools
Choose appropriate courses for enrollment
Interpret University policies and procedures
Explore and choose majors and minors, including professional degrees
Identify helpful University resources

We are a great resource to turn to when you have a question and don't know who to ask. If we don't know the answer, we will get you to someone who does.

When to see us

Your college experience is a time of exploration and independent responsibility. To be successful while you are at KU, you should meet with your advisor regularly.

Until you have officially declared a major or are admitted to a professional school, you are required to meet with an advisor each semester before enrolling for classes.

Schedule your advising appointment well in advance of when you need to enroll. Enrollment appointment times are posted the week before fall and spring breaks in the KYou Portal. You should make an advising appointment for October or November in the fall and March or April in the spring.

Please call (785) 864-2834 in early October for Spring enrollment and early March for Summer and Fall enrollment to make your advising appointment.

Meet with an advisor any time!
Advisors are available to assist you in person as a "walk-in", by phone, by email, and by appointment.

Who to see

Before you call to make an appointment, it is best to determine who you will need to see. You have an assigned advisor who is listed in your academics notices in the KYou Portal.

Additionally, various majors and professional programs offer group advising for eligible students during the main advising period. A list of available group advising options is posted in October and March at www.advising.ku.edu.

All UAC advisors can assist students in exploring any major or minor at KU.

You may browse through the UAC advisors and read their bios.

Things to think about before you schedule your appointment

Most appointments are made for 30 minutes particularly during main advising.

Request a 60-minute appointment if:

You want to complete a Graduation Plan
You need to complete an Academic Probation contract
You need to discuss a Financial Aid Appeal
You think you will need more than 30 minutes
You have more than 3 topics to discuss

Dates/times that work with your schedule

Refer to your schedule or planner to determine your availability. Do not schedule an advising appointment when you have class!

Your enrollment appointment time

Posted in the KYou Portal.

Be flexible

Your preferences and needs are always considered when you schedule an appointment. Please remember, however, the need for flexibility.

Your major(s) or potential major(s)

For a complete guide to majors and programs at KU visit www.advising.ku.edu/~advising/choosemajor/majors.shtml

Things you want to discuss with your advisor

Things to think about before you meet with your advisor

For every appointment:

Your academic goals
Your career goals
Major and minor options
How your classes are going (if you are currently enrolled)
Questions and/or concerns you have about your particular situation

For enrollment appointments (in addition to the things listed above):

Classes you want to take (https://classes.ku.edu)
Classes required to complete your degree, major(s), and/or minor(s)

What to bring to your appointment

For all appointments:

Your advisor's name
A current ARTS form
- Print one at http://www.artsform.ku.edu
A list of things you want to discuss

For enrollment appointments, you should also review your advising notes in the KYou Portal

Getting the most out of your appointment

Arrive on time and know your advisor's name.

If you arrive 10 or more minutes late for your advising appointment, you will be asked to reschedule.

Go to 126 Strong Hall to check-in.

Things to Do to Ensure a Successful Appointment:

Be ready to discuss your situation, plans, and goals with an open mind.
Be honest with your advisor and yourself.
Be prepared to discuss the information you have gathered that is relevant to your goals for the meeting.
Revisit your advising notes in the Kyou portal
Ask questions! This is your chance to find out everything you ever wanted to know about your situation at KU.
Make sure you leave with copies of notes taken and materials given to you during your appointment.

Now what?, or What to do after your appointment

Read all materials given to you and follow-up with your advisor if you have questions and/or concerns
Follow your advisor's instructions and complete any tasks given to you.

Important Considerations

**Before dropping a course that reduces your enrollment to below 12 credit hours, you need to make appropriate arrangements with various departments depending on your circumstances. Dropping below 12 credit hours can affect financial aid, housing, health/auto insurance, fraternity/sorority membership, and other aspects of your academic and personal situations. Be sure to contact your advisor if you are considering dropping below 12 credit hours.

***If you wish to withdraw from the University (withdraw from all classes), meet with your advisor. Your advisor can assist you in understanding appropriate procedures for withdrawal and help you to make academic plans for the future. You cannot withdraw from all of your classes online.

Undergraduate Advising Center