During advising week, you should make an appointment with your advisor. You may receive an email from your advisor, inviting you to make an appointment. If not, contact them via email or phone, or stop by their office hours to arrange your appointment. Find the dates for advisement in the Shepherd Calendar.
You should meet with your advisor at least once a semester, although you are welcome to meet with them more frequently.
If you aren’t sure who your advisor is, you can find that information at the top of your DegreeWorks audit or in RAIL: log on and click on “Student,” then “Student Records,” then “View Student Information”.
Before your appointment:
Log into RAIL and access your degree audit in DegreeWorks. If you have any questions or concerns about the information in your audit contact the Advising Assistance Center. Begin to draft a list of classes for enrollment consideration.
Complete the Advising Pre-Planning Worksheet. On the second page, list the courses you would like to take next semester along with alternate selections.
Consider your past coursework and reflect on what has been going well and what subjects you are struggling with. Consider your academic goals and what questions or issues you would like to discuss with your advisor. Include these questions and comments on your Advising Pre-Planning Worksheet.
You can send your Advising Pre-Planning worksheet to your advisor before your meeting, or you can bring it to your meeting.
Your advisor will provide you with your Alternate PIN for registration, along with the day and time that you can begin registration on RAIL.
If you have any questions after your advising meeting, feel free to follow-up with your advisor or with the Academic Assistance Center staff.
Tips for your appointment:
Be on-time!
Be on-time for your meeting and be aware that your meeting may only be about 30 minutes. If you feel you need more time or have unanswered questions, feel free to meet with the Advising Assistance Center prior to your faculty meeting, or arrange for an additional meeting with your faculty advisor.
Be honest!
Be honest with your faculty advisor and be prepared to make decisions about your coursework and academic plan. Your advisor will review the information you provide in your Pre-Planning Worksheet and make suggestions for your coursework.