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Preparing for an Advising Meeting

Academic Advising can be a vital link to your academic career at Penn State, University Park. It is good practice to visit with an advisor at least once a semester to ensure you are on track and taking appropriate coursework to obtain your future goals. We know your time can be quite limited so below are some recommendations for you to prepare for an advising meeting. Taking these into consideration will help to ensure the meetings run smoothly.

1. Review the major degree requirements. If possible review a degree audit on eLion (Note: these audits are not the most up-to-date, but we will provide you with a current one during the meeting). From this you can create questions specified to what you do not understand and need clarification on.
2. Be sure to use the planning worksheets located on the Undergraduate Planning web page. Follow the links for your major (PSYBA or PSYBS) and option. These sheets are there to help you plan your time at PSU and an advisor can help review it with you to ensure you will not be overwhelmed in a given semester.
3. Have your PSU ID number. This number is how we look your information up in the system allowing us to pull off degree audits and check your scheduled courses.
4. Have your questions ready. We help you best when you know why you need to meet with us.
5. Have pen and paper on hand. When you ask questions, you should make note of the answers you receive.
6. Have all the information you need with you. We cannot fill out forms you do not have nor can we make recommendations without background information.
7. Learn to use the PSU Search engine. Many of the questions you may have can be found on-line saving you time and the trip to 111 Moore. At the very least, it can help you generate more precise questions where you need clarification.
8. Evaluate your academic and career goals. Knowing what you want in the future can help the adviser lead you on the right track. We will better be able to assess the courses you are taking or the option you are in.
9. Take responsibility. It is up to you to follow through on the information and resources we give you, including scheduling your courses or meeting with other departments like Career Services.

This page was last updated on 08-06-07.