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Advising will help you succeed: What you can do as a Student
As a student you understand it is your responsibility to:
- Share information with your advisor regarding interests, goals, educational, and career plans
- Share personal information that has a bearing on your academic career
- The number of hours working, family responsibilities, financial aid status, and any limitations
- Be familiar with the catalog and academic calendar
- Be familiar with college deadlines
- Keep a record of graduation requirements
- Program sheets
- Keep a record of all correspondence from the University
- Be willing to contact appropriate student support services on campus
- Be prepared for meetings with advisors
- Particularly when registering for next semester, review courses you need for your program, and have an idea of what you would like to take
- Alert your advisor immediately if you begin to have difficulties that are affecting class work or continued enrollment
- Be an active participant in the advising session
The Importance of Your Advisor
What does an advisor do?
- Helps you plan your academics
- Answers your questions
- Offers advice
- Letters of recommendation
When should you contact your faculty advisor?
- At minimum, each semester when you register for classes
- If you are considering adding or dropping classes
- If you think you want to change your major
- If you are struggling in any courses
How do I meet with my advisor?
- Find out where their office is located & check office hours
- As a courtesy, call ahead so they can be prepared (Faculty/Staff Directory)
What do I need to bring?
- Your folder with program sheet & catalog
- Any questions you have
- An idea of what courses you want to take
What happens if you forget who your advisor is?
- Contact the Registrar’s office
College Terms 101
Dropping and Adding
- Dropping and Adding classes is a normal part of coming to college
- There are a number of reasons you might decide you need to make adjustments to your schedule
- Make sure to watch the academic calendar to be aware of the deadlines
Substitutions and Waivers
- Once in awhile your advisor will allow you to take a different course than what is listed on your program sheet
- Or they may waive the requirement if you have previous experience (but this doesn’t mean you get credit for the course)
Lower Division courses
- These are courses number with a 100 or 200
- Typically you take these during your freshman and sophomore years
Upper Division courses
- Courses numbered 300 or 400
- Taken during your junior and senior years
- Just a note for Bachelor degree seeking students - you will need 39 credits of upper division courses to graduate
Catalog
The Catalog is your guide to school. Here are some starting points to look for information:
- Degrees, Majors, Minors - A listing of all the degrees, majors, minors & certificates offered
- General Education Core - Required course work for all students seeking an associate of arts, associate of science, or bachelor’s degree at Northern
- Programs listings - requirements for each degree
- Course Descriptions
- What is a Prerequisite?
Any requirement essential for a student to complete before taking a course.
Prerequisites can include:
- Courses you need to take before you can be fully admitted to your program of study
- Courses you need to take before you can take the course which requires it
- Math and English placement
- Permission of the instructor
- What is a Co-requisite?
A co-requisite is a requirement that must be completed at the same time as the course for which it is required.
Such as:
- One course that must be completed at the same time as another course.
- Financial Aid Information
- Academic Information:
- Special programs
- Grading
- Transferring courses
- Much, much more
MSU-Northern Catalogs
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