FAQ - General Advising

1.  What is the purpose of the Academic Advising Center?
The Academic Advising Center assists students in developing meaningful educational plans consistent with their personal, academic, and career goals by serving as a readily accessible resource on all aspects of academic advising at Illinois Wesleyan University for students and faculty. 

2.  Who is my academic advisor?
First Year students are assigned to First Year Advisors (link to First Year Advising page). After their first year at IWU, students are assigned to advisors based on their majors (link to advisors page).  Students who are undecided after their first year are assigned to the Academic Advising Center to assist with the major exploration process.  All students are encouraged to use the resources of the Career Center for career related assistance and support.

3.  Why am I assigned to a first-year advisor?
First Year Advisors seek to promote the academic success of first year students and to facilitate students’ transition from high school to college and integration into the broader Illinois Wesleyan community in the following ways: by advising broadly and developmentally while encouraging students to develop a cohesive academic plan with an eventual transition to a major advisor; by helping students to learn how to think strategically about their own academic progress and to select and register for appropriate courses; and by fostering a respectful, supportive and trusting advisor-advisee relationship.

4.  How do I get an appointment with my academic advisor?
If you are a first year student, contact your first year advisor for an advising appointment.  If you are undecided or a student reassessing your academic goals, you should contact the Academic Advising Center (309-556-3231) in Holmes Hall to meet with an academic advisor.  If you have decided on a major, you should visit the academic advisors that are housed in your academic department (link to list of advisors).

5.  When and how often do I meet with my advisor?
You should meet regularly with your advisor in order to build an effective advising relationship. You must meet with your advisor each semester before registration to discuss your academic progress and to plan ahead for future semesters.  Your advisor will provide you with your PIN for course registration. 

6.  How should I prepare for my advising appointment?
In order to make the most of your advising appointment, you need to plan ahead.  Here is a list of things you can do to make the most of your time with your advisor:

• Take a look at the IWU Catalog, specifically requirements for majors you are considering.  Make sure to bring your catalog with you to your advising appointment.
• If you've yet to decide on a major, visit the Academic Majors and Programs page and explore the majors and programs that IWU has to offer.
• Gather relevant decision-making information, creating a list of questions for your advisor and drafting a course schedule.
• Review the Degree Compliance link in MyIWU. This channel gives you a detailed breakdown of general education and majors requirements to help you better understand how previous, current, and future coursework fits into your academic plan.
• Ensure you've had all your transcripts sent to Illinois Wesleyan University, whether it is community college credit, or AP scores. Keeping your records up to date will make sure we know exactly what you need to complete your degree.
• Make sure you come with alternative courses (perhaps a list of 6 to 8 courses you might like to take, listing the course information in full (CRN, Title of course, Lab course no., meeting time, credits)

7.  What do I do if I want to change advisors?
Change of Advisor request forms are available in the Registrar’s Office, Holmes 110.  Students will need to get the signature of their New Advisor, their Current Advisor, and return the request form to the Registrar’s Office.

8.  What are my responsibilities as a student in the advising relationship?

• Take the initiative to contact and get to know your faculty advisor, and help your faculty advisor get to know you.  Be mindful of the need to work with your faculty advisor during posted office hours or make other arrangements in advance.
• Consult with your faculty advisor about changes in your academic progress, course selection, and academic, career, and life goals.
• Notify your faculty advisor immediately whenever a serious problem (medical, financial, personal) disrupts your ability to attend classes or interferes with your ability to focus on your education and to perform your best work.
• Keep a personal record of your progress towards your degree.  Organize official college documents and bring them with you to advising meetings.
• Be familiar with the General Education, GPA, and major(s) and minors(s) requirements.  Schedule courses each semester in accordance with those requirements.
• Observe academic deadlines.  Know when to register and when to drop or add classes.  Schedule an appointment with your advisor well in advance of these deadlines.
• Take the initiative to investigate options for changing advisors if you no longer have an interest in the advisor’s area and/or a positive relationship is not developing.

9.  What questions should I ask my advisor?

• Ask specific questions to clarify general education and major requirements, but research these requirements and policies prior to the advising meeting.
• Ask about double majoring or obtaining a minor.
• If you are undecided, ask for suggestions about ways to explore possible fields of study.
• Discuss your academic progress since the last advising meeting.
• Ask for suggestions for academic support if you are struggling in one or more courses.
• Ask for suggestions or ideas about academic enrichment such as undergraduate research, internships, and experiential learning.
• Complete, in advance of the meeting, any required paperwork, as requested by your advisor(s).