Q: What does an Academic Advisor Do?

A: Most students think of their Academic Advisor as the person who signs their preregistration form. A good Faculty Advisor is also a:

*Mentor, sharing with you advice and information to help make your college experience successful;

*Cheerleader, providing you with encouragement to do your best (and a push when you need it!);

*Listener, someone to talk to when you want to talk about career issues, academics, college life, or other problems;

*Resource, helping you to find the information and services that you need.

A: You should talk with your Faculty Advisor:

*When you want to plan your academic schedule, preregister or drop/add classes;

*When you want to talk about your career or graduate school plans;

*When you are considering changing or declaring your major or minor;

*When you are having any personal, social or academic problems that affect your academic performance;

*When you need help or information and don't know where to get it;

*When you need some encouragement;

*When you want to chat and just talk about how things are going.

Q: What can you do to get the most from academic advising?

A: There are a few things you can do to get the most from academic advising:

*Get the Big Picture: Make up a rough outline of courses for the rest of your coursework here;

*Make an appointment to talk about your schedule the week before preregistration starts;

*Make up a tentative schedule before coming for preregistration meetings;

*Be aware of the University academic regulations found in the University Catalog. If you are an ECU Student you can access the catalog online by clicking here;

*Keep your Major Requirements Checksheet up to date so you know what you have taken and what you still need to take. ECU Psychology Majors can download a copy of the Psychology Major's Checksheet (Microsoft Word format) by clicking here;

*Talk to your advisor early in the semester if you are having problems with coursework or other issues;

*Remember that school and career decisions are your responsibility. Your advisor will help you by providing information and advice, and helping you to find out more about yourself,  school, and work;

*Don't just come during preregistration! Come by and visit often during the semester. If your advisor is busy when you come email or call to  make an appointment.

A: These things will help you plan and keep track of your academic progress:

* A Major Checksheet. This lists all of the things that you need to take to complete your degree requirements. Fill it out after each semester so it is up-to-date, including the courses that you have completed and the grade for each one. Senior summaries are a breeze if you keep it up-to-date. ECU Psychology majors can download a copy in Microsoft Word format by clicking here.

*Your University Catalog. It has most everything you need to know and will be sorry if you don't know it. Even though it is available on-line, buy one at the bookstore if you don't have one. Refer to it.

*A course schedule book. Always pick up a course schedule book early in preregistration week. ECU Psychology majors can get one in the Psychology Department office (Rawl 104). Access the on-line course schedule here.

*Student Handbook/Code of Conduct. This is important to have as it contains the student Code of Conduct including academic integrity guidelines.

*A folder in which to keep all of your advising related things. Keep your grade reports, copies of any transferred courses, your Psychology Major Checksheet and any other related materials together. Bring it to advising conferences.

Q: What other materials do you have that I can read?

*How to Study Better. A handout I developed with helpful tips on effective study strategies. Careers in Psychology, a booklet about psychology careers put out by the American Psychological Association.

*Getting a Job With A B. A. in Psychology. A handout I developed with ideas on preparing for a job with a psychology undergraduate degree (also on my home page).

*Getting Into Graduate School In Psychology. A handout I developed with ideas on choosing a graduate school, preparing your application, and how to increase the odds of being accepted into graduate school. Includes a list of things you need to do and a suggested timetable for completing them (also on my home page).

*Preparing Your Curriculum Vitae. An article from the American Psychological Society on how to prepare a resume for graduate school.

*Applying to Graduate School. Another article from the American Psychological Society that gives you many pointers on applying to graduate school.

*Guide to Graduate Study in Psychology. The APA "bible" on graduate schools. Where they are, what programs they offer, and what the admissions requirements are. A must read for people thinking of going to graduate school.

Q: How do I get in touch with you?

A: My office is in Rawl 112, and you can reach me by phone at 328-4170. If I am not in the office you can leave a message on my voice mail and I will call you back as soon as I can. You can also reach me by emailing me here.
 

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