Iowa State University's academic advisers are dedicated to enhancing each student's academic and career aspirations.

Each student is assigned an adviser when he or she arrives on campus, usually a faculty member or professional adviser in the student's academic department. If a major has not yet been declared, a member of the college faculty or staff will be assigned as adviser. The adviser can serve as a primary resource for the wide variety of university support services available to Iowa State University students, but it is the student's responsibility to ask for assistance.

Advisers assist in the development of an academic program that meets students' career objectives as well as curriculum requirements. Advisers can help students achieve their academic objectives by advising them about course requirements, recommended electives, and procedures for registration and schedule changes. It is the student's responsibility, however, to be knowledgeable about Iowa State policies and procedures and the graduation requirements for his or her individual program and to ensure that these requirements are met. Advisers will help students to get the most out of their educational experience.

In most departments, students may change advisers. A student who wants to change advisers should first obtain the agreement of another member of the department to become their adviser and then request permission from the department. Students who for any reason are unable to obtain the services of an adviser, should ask their department or college office to assign them to an adviser.