Academic Advising
in the College of Arts & Science
Overview
The Academic Advising System at Miami is decentralized. This means that you may have to consult with more than one person or office to have all of your questions answered. It is important and appropriate for advisers to refer you to others who are better equipped to answer your questions accurately. This advising system provides the best possible guidance for you throughout your academic career.
Divisional Advisers in the College of Arts and Science Advising Office provide academic advising services for undeclared students at Miami University and for those students who have declared a major in the College of Arts and Science. In addition, Faculty Advisers are assigned to all students who have declared majors. This assignment occurs in the second semester of the freshman year or when a student declares a major.
Academic advising is an integral and necessary component of the learning process. Faculty and Divisional Advisers are here to assist students with making sound academic choices.
Academic Advisors help students:
- Understand the Miami Plan Foundation and the College Requirement (CAS)
- Interpret the DAR (Degree Audit Report)
- Understand major requirements (FACULTY ADVISER ONLY)
- Interpret academic policies
- Develop educational goals
- Improve academic performance and seek academic challenges
- Develop long-term academic plans
- Develop course schedules that consider the student's academic background, course prerequisites, and educational goals
- Identify appropriate resource personnel to assist students with resolving individual problems
- Learn about our 52 majors
- Explore majors consistent with the student's interests, abilities and goals
- Identify and develop career-related liberal arts skills
The Academic Advising Appointment:
Most students meet with an adviser at least twice a year. You may stop in to see your Faculty Adviser during his/her posted office hours or by making an appointment. Divisional Advisers in the Arts and Science Advising Office are available year-round by appointment. During advance registration, students may see a Divisional Adviser on a first-come, first-served basis during walk-in hours. This approach allows advisers to see more students during the day.
Preparing for Advising Appointments
Academic advising is one of the most important services you will receive while you are at Miami University. The process of academic advising is a shared responsibility where the student and the adviser work together to achieve a common goal. Here are some suggestions that should help you prepare for any advising interaction:
Student Responsibilities:
- Give thoughtful consideration to your social, academic, and career goals.
- Review the General Bulletin, major handbooks, the DAR, and course schedules to keep current on academic policies, procedures, and requirements.
- Prepare a list of questions before each meeting with your adviser. Have a tentative, WRITTEN schedule prepared if registering for courses.
- Ask questions! If you do not understand a policy or procedure, ask questions until you do understand.
- Know the Academic Calendar. Do not miss deadlines. Know when to register and drop or add courses.
- Save personal copies of schedules, tentative degree plans, degree audit reports, transfer credit evaluations, petitions, and other important information regarding your academic progress.
- Schedule courses that are consistent with your educational goals, and that will meet degree requirements.
- Accept responsibility for making final decisions on academic choices. Academic advisers will present you with options.
More Resources:
- College of Arts and Science Divisional Advising Office
- 146 Upham Hall
529-3031 - Career Exploration and Testing Center
- 196 Health Services Building
529-4645 - Office of Career Services
- 241 Hoyt Hall
529-3831 - Office of International Education
- 216 MacMillan Hall
Study Abroad: 529-5985
Luxembourg Program: 529-5050 - Bernard B. Rinella, Jr. Learning Center
- 14 Campus Avenue Building
529-8741 - Office of the Registrar
- Campus Avenue Building
Commencement (Room 106): 529-8724
Registration (Room 102): 529-8703
Transfer Credit Evaluation (Room 104): 529-8718
Miami University: Equal opportunity in education and employment