You are assigned a faculty of professional staff member to function as your academic advisor. Regular teaching faculty who have been at SU for one academic year are able to advise students. All advisors are trained to work with all students, regardless of potential academic major. The Director of Advising and Retention assigns advisors to new students based on their responses to the New Student Advising Questionnaire and Advisor Questionnaire.

The Advising Syllabus explains the purpose and expectations of the advising relationship. 

Schedule an Appointment

During your first meeting with your advisor, he or she will inform you of their preferred mode of communication and will discuss how to schedule appointments.

Preparing for Your Appointment 

• Check your email for any communication from your advisor or the Registrar
• Review Student Planning and your degree plan (if applicable)
• Review the Course Catalog
• Make a list of course options for registration (in Student Planning)
• Respond to your advisor’s pre-advising questions (if provided)
• Take care of any holds that may prevent you from registering
• Make a list of questions for your advisor (Examples: When should I study abroad? What is an internship? Do I need a minor? How do I get involved in research?)

During Advising Appointment

• Expect to drive the conversation
• Be on time and be engaged
• Share what you are enjoying and struggling with (in and outside of class)
• Take notes of the recommendations or referrals from your advisor
• Be open to suggestions, but understand you are ultimately responsible for your degree plan