Advisor/Advisee Relationship

The Advisor/Advisee relationship is an ongoing process that occurs throughout each semester.  You and your advisor will discuss how to select courses, register for classes, determine a major/minor course of study, explore career opportunities, where to obtain information on free support services, and additional resources available while attending Kutztown University.

The following information will assist you as you prepare to meet with your advisor to discuss course selection and registration:

In the Advising Center for Undeclared Students, 119 Stratton Administration, simply ask a secretary, graduate assistant or student receptionist for the name of your advisor.

Hopefully, by meeting with your advisor regularly during the semester you will know the following information.  If not, be sure to ask.

When does your advisor want to meet to select courses for the next semester?
What does your advisor want you to bring to the appointment?

Master schedule for the semester?
A list of academic majors you are considering?
A tentative course schedule or partial list of courses that you are interested in scheduling?
Up-to-date check sheet?

Special Considerations

Course Requirements --  are there courses in your major that must be taken in a particular sequence?;
 
Do any of the courses you want to take have prerequisites? -- Some courses require that you have a certain knowledge base before registering.  This information is usually in the Kutztown University Bulletin following the description of the course.

Are any of the courses on your list “controlled?” A course is “controlled” if enrollment is restricted to students from particular academic majors or minors.  As an Undeclared student, these courses may not be available to you at registration.  At times, you are able to gain entrance to these courses at the end of the drop/add period if seats are available.  Controlled courses are listed in the front of the master course schedule for each semester.

Things to Consider When Selecting Courses

When do you perform better, during morning or afternoon classes? Do you want time between classes for study or do you prefer to schedule classes back-to-back?

How will your schedule be affected by work, sports, or other activities?

How will the courses you selected help you to explore possible academic majors?

When do you want to graduate?  Have you planned out how many credits you have to take each semester to reach this goal?

What plans do you have after graduation? Are the courses on your list likely to help build your resume or to help meet entrance requirements for graduate school?

Decide how many credits you want to take for the next semester.

Review your “check sheet” and determine what courses you need.

Read the course descriptions and try to gather information about course requirements and teaching styles of professors.

If possible, preview the textbooks for the courses you are considering.

Develop a tentative course schedule.  Build the schedule around courses that you must schedule.

Check to make sure that none of the courses you picked are controlled courses.

Write down any questions you have for your advisor.  Also, remember to write down the answers that you get!

Always pick alternate courses, not just different sections of the same course, in case courses are closed at registration.

Record the time that you are permitted to enter the registration arena.  You are not allowed to enter early, but you may go after your scheduled time.  To pre-register, you must develop a schedule during the registration period.  Your registration appointment is on your registration form and the registration dates are listed on this website.

Pay all outstanding debts (parking tickets, library fines etc.) or you won’t be able to go through registration

Advising Expectations

As advisees, you have expectations of your advisors.  For example, you probably expect that your advisor will be available to meet with you and will possess accurate information about the University, academic programs.  In return, your advisor will hold certain expectations of you.  Mutual understanding of expectations and dedication to fulfill these expectations will help your advising relationship be a meaningful and useful part of your college experience.  As an advisee you should:
 

Make regular appointments with your advisor beginning early and continuing throughout the semester

Be diligent about keeping all scheduled appointments or calling in advance to cancel appointments that you must miss because of emergency

Prepare for appointments with your advisor by making a list of questions and concerns

Complete all tasks or assignments that you develop with your advisor

Review course offerings and requirements before meeting with your advisor.  Develop a tentative list of courses that you are interested in scheduling.

Actively explore academic majors and careers by visiting the Office of Career Services, academic departments, and by consulting other resources as indicated.

Seek consultation and advice as soon as you become aware of difficulties.
 

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