Preparing for your Advising Appointment
Being prepared ahead of your advising appointment is the key to a successful session. Your advisor is a partner; a guide to assist you with navigating your path at Fisk and helping to prepare you for graduate studies or the transition into your chosen career. Please be advised, students are primarily for understanding and fulling all the degree requirements of your chosen program of study.
To ensure that you capitalize on the appointment time to discuss these topics, it is crucial that students arrive to their session with a clear understanding of their degree requirements and have a general plan for the next semester’s courses.
To prepare for your session, please consider the following tips:
Research and be Come Prepared
You are expected to be aware of the university policies, requirements, and procedures, so do your homework in advance. Familiarize yourself with the academic bulletin and academic calendar to keep abreast of policies, important dates, and deadlines (e.g., last day to register, last day to drop a class, final exam dates, etc.).
Additionally, look at the course offerings in your Fisk Student Portal to choose your courses that are required for your major, as well as, classes that may be of interest as you consider your career and or graduate/professional school. Also, don’t forget to share your personal, academic, and career goals/expectations with your advisor. Collegiate advising is a two-way street.
Become Familiar with your Degree Audit (Balance Sheet)
You are responsible for the tracking of the completion of your degree requirements. Become familiar with the tracking method (e.g. balance sheet form), how to access one, and ask questions to ensure that you understand the process.
To get you started, please review your major requirements via the programs of study page here
Come with Questions
Consider bringing questions with you to your advising meeting. Remember, if you don’t understand something, ask for clarity.
Initiate Contact Early and Often
Scheduling an appointment and including your specific needs allows advisors time to research your issue and or find the answer to your question ahead of your meeting time. Remember, advising is more than just figuring out courses. They are a resource. Your advisor helps you apply your classroom knowledge to outside opportunities through service projects, research opportunities, and possible internships. Ideally, you should plan to meet with your advisor 1 or 2 times per semester. Always be on time for your appointments and communicate if you need to change the date and or time.
Learn to Self-Advocate
Be honest about your circumstances and what you need to succeed. Have this conversation early. Be proactive!
Know your Next Steps
Always leave a meeting knowing your next steps. If there are any offices/staff/faculty you need to meet with next, ensure that you have location and contact info (name/email/phone) for them prior to leaving the meeting.
Follow-Through
Everyone is invested in your success. When an advisor refers you to a specific office or expresses concerns about your attendance or performance, be open to their concerns and suggestions and follow-through.
How to schedule appointments:
The Office of Academic Excellence and Student Performance (AESP)
The L.E.A.D. Program