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Exploratory Advising

As an exploratory student, you will be advised by a faculty advisor in our Advising Center for Exploratory Students. Meeting regularly with your advisor ensures you will schedule appropriate courses that will count towards graduation while receiving expert advice on major and career exploration.

Prior to your arrival at Shippensburg University, your assigned advisor will contact you and it is recommended that you schedule a meeting with them within the first two weeks of your first semester. If you are not sure who your advisor is, you may ask at AEES department office on the 2nd floor of Mowrey Hall.

Why is Academic Advising Important?

Academic advising is one of the most important influences on students’ collegiate experiences. Through regular contact with students - whether face-to-face, through email, or on the telephone - advisors gain meaningful insights into students’ academic, social, and personal experiences. Advisors use these insights to help students become part of the academic community, to develop sound academic and career goals and, ultimately, to be successful.

It is the philosophy of Shippensburg University that good academic advising enhances students’ satisfaction with their college experience and their ability to persist to graduation. Academic advising facilitates student development and helps students determine their goals. Advisors can assist with a student’s decision-making process, not only at the beginning of their first year, but also throughout their college career.

Advisors are the link to the academic system and its rules and regulations. Advisors know the requirements of the General Education program as well as the requirements for declaring each major. They can enhance your collegiate experience, refer you to campus resources to help you with problems, and save you from wasting, time, effort, and money. Good academic advising involves more than just scheduling classes. Your advisor is the person who can help you realize your full potential by helping you establish important career, personal and life goals.

How Can My Advisor Help Me?

Your advisor will help you:

become familiar with the General Education program and requirements for any major you might be considering.
with major and career decision-making.
by connecting you with a variety of internet and campus resources.
with a personal issue that is impacting your academic performance. If your advisor cannot help, he or she will refer you to someone who can.
by listening to concerns and helping you determine the best course of action.
by serving as a mentor and an advocate.

What Are My Responsibilities in the Advising Process?

Advising is a joint responsibility. It is your advisor’s job to be knowledgeable about the university programs and services, to be available to you at scheduled times, and to assist you with your academic concerns. It is your responsibility to know your advisor’s office hours, to make and keep advising appointments, to prepare questions and bring any appropriate materials or concerns to the meetings, and to see your advisor whenever you have questions. Acting on your own or your friends’ answer to an advising question can result in problems. See your advisor regularly.

How Often Should I See My Advisor?

Advisors in Exploratory Advising require at least two meetings per semester before releasing scheduling PINs to their students. Depending on a number of factors, such as early exam or assignment results, decision on a choice of major, and overall adjustment to college, many advisors require more frequent meetings over the course of the semester. Give your advisor a chance to get to know you. Remember - fostering a good relationship with your academic advisor is an important factor in your overall success.

When Should I Schedule Meetings With My Advisor?

While you may meet with your advisor at any time, there are some key meeting times over the course of the semester:

before the end of the drop/add period in order to make necessary changes to your schedule;
early in the semester, to become acquainted;
at midterm, to review your academic progress and to discuss your withdrawal from a course, if necessary;
to request or discuss career or major exploration strategies;
to seek referrals to important academic and personal support resources;
and, of course, to discuss and schedule appropriate classes for next semester.

Our advisors’ main goals are to assist students, but they are busy people with limited time. Please do not leave it until the last minute to make an appointment with your advisor – follow the guidelines and you will have adequate time to meet them.

Having a college education might, at times, seem confusing and overwhelming, but it is also a journey that is exciting and rewarding. Allowing your advisor the opportunity to help will ensure your journey is smooth, successful, and enjoyable.