Academic Advising

Academic advising is an intentional, collaborative relationship based on trust and mutual respect that promotes the student’s development of competence, autonomy, and sound decision making skills. Adviser-student interactions are grounded in teaching and learning and are vital in promoting student growth and personal development through learning, discovery, and engagement. Academic advising supports the mission of the University.

Academic Advising Process

All undergraduate students are assigned an academic adviser based on their major/ curriculum. A new adviser assignment is made when a student changes majors/curricula. Advisers serve as a primary resource for students, connecting them with the wide variety of services and academic opportunities available to them. The advising experience begins during the prospective student stage and continues through graduation. The goal of academic advising is an individualized academic experience for each student developed through a mentoring relationship.

Academic Advising Responsibilities

A successful academic advising relationship involves fulfillment of responsibilities on the part of both the student and the academic adviser.

Student responsibilities include:

• knowing Iowa State University policies and procedures

• knowing graduation requirements for degree program

• understanding and accepting the consequences of their academic decisions

• seeking, evaluating, and acting upon advising assistance

• taking responsibility for accomplishing his/her degree plan

Academic Adviser responsibilities include:

• assisting students in achieving the learning outcomes of their academic program, their college, and the university

• referring students to appropriate campus resources

• empowering students to develop an academic plan appropriate to the student’s abilities, interests, academic and career goals

• communicating university policies and procedures accurately