What is Advising?

Academic Advising is dedicated to empowering undergraduate students as they aspire to be thoughtful risk-takers, critical thinkers, and practicing artists. To that end, Academic Advisors provide guidance on degree requirements, promote self-agency, and assist students as they navigate the college terrain in ways that fulfill their educational aspirations and artistic potential.

How we advise our students

We listen to your needs and goals.

Course planning
Semester preparation
Graduation roadmap
Assess academic progress

We provide options for your plan.

Registration support
Add/Drop
Class withdrawals
Degree change

We guide you in your academic journey.

Referrals to campus resources
Planning beyond through Career and Professional Experience (CAPX)

We assist you following policies and guidelines.

Degree requirements
Academic standing
Navigate course concerns

Make sure to check out our extensive FAQ section, and if you have further questions feel free to reach out to studenthelp@saic.edu or make an appointment with an advisor via Navigate.

Student Expectations

Students are expected to...

Check your SAIC email daily. Your SAIC email is the main point of communication.
Schedule regular appointments with an Academic Advisor.
Be on time for scheduled appointments and/or advising group sessions.
Come to advising meetings prepared with questions you would like to discuss.
Consider life situations that may affect class schedules and/or degree plans, and discuss options with an Academic Advisor (work load, job/family responsibilities, health challenges, etc.).
Check degree progress online regularly.
Follow-up on referrals and communicate with your advisor.
Monitor your attendance and communicate with your instructors, and view final grades online via Self-Service.
Establish communication and build professional relationships with your faculty and staff.
Accept responsibility for your decisions and actions.

Advisor Expectations

Advisors are expected to...

Help you understand academic degree requirements.
Assist you in selecting appropriate courses for your degree.
Provide accurate information and effectively communicate them to you.
Assess your academic progress.
Provide resources, referrals, and strategies for accessing available resources on campus.
Provide information about SAIC policies and procedures.
Assist you in setting your educational goals.
Provide guidance in decision making, but NOT make decisions for you.
Be available during office hours by appointment or during posted drop-in hours.