2 of 6

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

will have SIGNED and APPROVED your pre-planned schedule.

2b) The other thing that #2 helps is the occasional (though no so occasional) occurrence of a university changing the requirements for a major. In my case, for instance, I majored in English. When I began my degree one of the required classes was "English and American Literature," however, when I completed my degree, that class was no longer required. My adviser tried to tell me that it didn't count toward my degree and that I needed to take another class. Luckily, I had printed out the requirements for an English degree back when I started my degree, showing that "English and American Literature" was required. Therefore, my adviser had to approve that class as counting toward my major.

3) Always confirm the names of classes with your counselor, the head of your major department, and on-line. The example I gave above about the difference between "Art" and "Fine Arts." According to my counselor, I needed and ART class, but on-line ART means FINE ARTS. Double-check, double-check, double-check!

4) Get copies of everything from your adviser. When your adviser confirms a schedule, signs a requirement form, or approves anything, get a copy of it that is signed. Unfortunately, you have to be able to document everything, just in case it comes down to your word against theirs to approve your graduation date.

5) Schedule meetings every semester to every other semester with an adviser in the department of your specific major. This way, you have information from multiple sources and many people that know that you're making the effort to get everything right. This documents your efforts and saves you from having only one source against or for you.

6) When you are required to turn in paperwork, transcripts, transfer credit information, etc., never rely upon the mail department or the admissions departments to take care of everything. Always call and double-check that things have been received, processed, and are taken care of on time. If there's a mistake in processing or mailing, your adviser won't give you the benefit of the doubt, they will just plain not accept whatever you needed.

Always take it into your own hands to make sure your degree is going where it needs to go, gets done when it should, and can't be argued with!

Learn more about this author, Gillian A. Jones.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Tips for dealing with your academic advisor at college?
We want to hear your view. Write now!