Common Questions about Academic Advising

What is academic advising?
Academic advising is a collaborative process that helps you develop an educational plan to reach your specific academic and career goals. Your advisor will also guide you in understanding the objectives and requirements of your bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.

What does my academic advisor do?
Your academic advisor is here to support you in achieving your educational and career goals. They’ll help you select classes, explore majors, create a graduation plan, and connect you with campus resources to make the most of your time at AU.

An academic advisor is someone who can:

• Help you plan an educational program based on your interests, strengths, and goals.
• Review your course selection for alignment with your degree.
• Explain your major and minor requirements.
• Guide you through changing your major or adding a double major.
• Inform you about various college or university policies and procedures.
• Help you decide whether to drop or add a course.
• Explain your Core Curriculum requirements.
• Talk about next term’s schedule.
• Refer you to a personal or financial counselor.

How can I reach an advisor?
You can schedule an appointment by requesting an appointment online, calling our office at 630-844-6870, or emailing crousecenter@aurora.edu. During certain times of the semester, we also have drop-in hours for quick questions and support.

When should you meet with an advisor?
Meet with your advisor any time you have questions about your academic plan, major requirements, or class schedule. We recommend meeting at least once a semester to stay on track for graduation. New students must meet with an advisor before registering for classes.

What will my advisor expect from me?

• Schedule, attend, and actively participate in advising appointments as required or needed.
• Come prepared with questions, paperwork, and course ideas, and seek clarification when needed.
• Regularly check your AU email and stay informed about degree requirements, deadlines, and policies.
• Monitor academic progress through university planning tools and take responsibility for personal and academic decisions.
• Explore and use campus resources, services, and opportunities to support academic, career, and personal success.

How can my advisor help me if I’m struggling with my classes?
Your advisor can connect you with academic support resources like tutoring, academic coaching, campus life, or counseling services. They’re also able to work through the options of how your academic plan is impacted, and your graduation date might be extended or adjusted.

What is a major?
Your major is your main area of study. Choosing a major does not lock you into a specific career path; many students change or refine their majors as they learn more about their interests and goals. Your major is listed on your transcript and your diploma will list the type of degree you obtained (e.g., Bachelor of Science or Master of Social Work).

What does it mean to be an exploratory studies major?
Being an exploratory studies major means you’re still deciding on a major. Take this time to explore different subjects, talk to faculty, consult career services, and meet with advisors to learn about various majors. Once you decide, you will need to complete a Declaration of Major form at the Crouse Center to formalize your choice. You cannot graduate with the exploratory studies major declared.

Do I need a minor, and how do I declare one?
You are not required to have a minor, but some students find value in the additional coursework. Schedule time to talk to an advisor and refer to the catalog for specific requirements of the minor you are interested in. You may declare a minor by completing a form available at the Crouse Center for Academic Advising.

How and when can I change my course schedule?
If you have access to online registration via Self-Service, you can add or drop a course online via Student Planning. If you do not have online registration access or you need further assistance, you can call 630-844-6870 or stop by the main office of the Crouse Center for Academic Advising in Eckhart Hall 310 to schedule an appointment with your advisor. You can also stop in during the Crouse Center’s drop-in hours on Fridays (8 a.m.–5 p.m. during fall and spring semesters, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. during summer modules). It is important to remember that all additions to your schedule must be completed prior to the second week of classes, or the second class meeting (for courses meeting once per week).

How do I know if I’m on track to graduate?
Your advisor will periodically check for anticipated graduation progress, especially as you near graduation. You can also always see your degree audit in Self-Service under “My Progress.” It is very common for students to make adjustments to their plan as they progress, including adding additional semesters or sometimes taking a summer course.

What is the catalog used for?
The academic catalog is your resource for all academic requirements, including major/minor details and Core Curriculum courses. It also outlines university policies that apply throughout your degree program at AU.

Can my advisor help me prepare for graduate school or professional programs?
Yes. Advisors work with students who are interested in graduate and professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, law, and other advanced degrees.

While AU recommends coursework for many pre-professional pathways, requirements vary among graduate and professional schools. Advisors can help you identify the prerequisite courses required by your intended program, create a long-term academic plan, discuss opportunities to gain relevant experience, and provide guidance on preparing competitive applications.

You should meet with your advisor early and regularly to ensure you remain on track for your desired programs.