SIUE Lesson 1: What is academic advising?
Posted March 5, 2019
SIUE Springboard to Success is quickly approaching, and I know what you might be thinking...‘How am I supposed to be ready when...
- “I don’t know what classes I want to take.”
- “I don’t know how to organize my schedule.”
- “Night classes?!?!?”
- “I don’t even know what I want my major to be.”
Don’t worry. Academic advising has you covered.
When you arrive for Springboard, you’ll be meeting with your academic advisor to schedule your classes. Trust me when I say your advisor is not only there to help make sure your schedule meets your academic goals. They’re also there to help you if you’re not even sure what your academic goals are yet.
Take it from someone who came to SIUE unsure if pharmacy school was the right path. My advisor was the one who helped me get on track to where I was meant to be. *SPOILER* Pharmacy school was not the right path for me.
Now as a senior, I owe a lot to my advisor, and I have all kinds of tricks and tips when it comes to being prepared for your advising appointment.
- Always schedule your advising appointments ASAP.
- Be honest with your advisor. If something doesn’t feel right about your academic path, tell them. They’re there to help you.
- Ten minutes between classes is enough time to get to a second class. Don’t be afraid to schedule your classes back-to-back.
- Be sure to schedule your classes with enough time to eat. Nothing is worse than being hangry in the middle of a class!
- Some people love online and night classes, some people hate them. It doesn’t hurt to try them at least once.
- Hybrid class: a class that is both online and in-person. Typically you don’t meet very much in person.
- Don’t be afraid to try some fun electives! Not every class you take has to be related to your major.
And for my last bit of advice...don’t be afraid to ask questions! Have a great Springboard, SIUE Class of 2023!
Author: Kiara Laack, senior, mass communications
