Student Advising
Advising Basics
Advisors are here to help you make the most of your college experience.
Who is My Advisor?
All undergraduate students at Suffolk University are assigned to an advisor. Your assigned advisor's name is listed on the first page of your Program Evaluation.
- If you haven't declared a major, you will be assigned an academic advisor within the Undergraduate Academic Advising Center (UAAC). This advisor will help guide you through your core requirements, and foster conversations to guide you into a major that fits you.
- If you have already declared a major, you will be assigned a faculty advisor within your major department. This advisor is meant to be your academic and career mentor throughout the coming semesters.
- Your advisor's contact information (name, email, office location) is listed on your program evaluation.
Prepping for Your Appointment
In general, you shouldn't show up to your advising appointments empty handed. At very least, bring a piece of paper and a pen so you can take notes.
Here are some other ways to be prepared for your appointment:
- Bring a copy of your program evaluation. Your Program Evaluation is a document that summarizes all of your degree and major requirements; it's very helpful if your advisor is able to review this document with you.
- Bring any documents and/or forms you want to talk about (for example: your Study Abroad application or a Change of Major form).
- You made an appointment because you have questions, so bring a list of your questions. It'll be easier for you to remember all of your questions if you write them down.
- Show up on time. And if you need to cancel, call to reschedule.
What to Expect from Advising
No two advisors (or advisees) are the same. So your advising experience should be and will be unique. However, here are some basics you can expect from the academic advising process:
- Academic advice designed to help you meet your individual interests.
- Accurate information about your curriculum, graduation requirements, university policies, and campus resources.
- Encouragement and guidance to help you develop realistic and attainable educational plans.
- Promotion of your involvement in off-campus and experiential learning opportunities.
- Help exploring and clarifying career options.
- Confidentiality and accessibility via office hours, phone, or email.
Advising Center Advisors Versus Faculty Advisors
Advisors at the Undergraduate Academic Advising Center help with academic planning, study abroad course selection and approval, transfer credits, graduation planning, exploring majors and minors, and other general advising questions and concerns.
Faculty advisors are specialists within your major. They can advise you on your curriculum and major requirements, career and internship options within your major, major elective options, and offer mentorship and networking advice.