HOW ADVISING WORKS AT IWU

As a first year student, you will be assigned to a First Year Advisor who you will meet with during Turning Titan Orientation program before classes begin.  You will continue to meet with your First Year Advisor throughout your freshman year of college to discuss your academic and personal goals and plan your course of study.  At the end of your first year, you will have the opportunity to choose a specific major and be assigned to an advisor in the major area of your choice.  If you are undecided, you can choose to remain with your first year advisor or be assigned to an advisor in the Academic Advising Center to assist you with the major selection process.

You must meet with your advisor each semester before registration to obtain you PIN in order to access the registration system.  Be sure you are prepared for your advising appointment.  Bring all your advising materials (including your Degree Evaluation which you can print from MyIWU), develop thoughtful questions to ask, and come prepared with a potential academic plan in mind.  Click on "Meeting With My Advisor" for more details about your responsibilities in the advising relationship.

MISSION OF ACADEMIC ADVISING AT ILLINOIS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY:

Illinois Wesleyan University recognizes the importance of academic advising as a critical aspect of the undergraduate educational experience for students.  Academic Advising is a continual process whereby faculty advisors provide developmental academic support and guidance for students throughout their college career.  Advisors help students learn responsibility and accountability for their academic progress and success while building a mutual respect and mentoring relationship with them.  Academic advising assists students in developing an educational plan consistent with their values, personal goals, and professional aspirations and fully exposes students to potential academic and co-curricular opportunities. 

THE GOALS OF ACADEMIC ADVISING AT IWU INCLUDE HELPING STUDENTS:

• Identify their strengths, abilities, interests, and values;
• Clarify their personal and professional, short and long term goals;
• Learn about the major exploration process;
• Identify the programs of study available at IWU;
• Understand specific curricular requirements and expectations and select appropriate coursework;
• Identify their academic advisor and the significance of the advising relationship;
• Develop decision making skills;
• Understand their responsibilities in the advising relationship;
• Recognize educational and experiential opportunities available at IWU (i.e. departmental research, internships, study abroad experiences, tutoring, leadership and involvement in student organizations, volunteer possibilities, etc.);
• Evaluate their progress towards earning a degree;
• Become familiar with and use appropriate campus support services.