At Loyola University Chicago’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS), academic advising is an important part of our commitment to social justice and the success of our adult students. Our advising team provides personalized academic guidance, connects you with University resources, and supports your academic and professional goals. Through this partnership, we will help you make informed decisions, navigate challenges, and stay on track toward completing your program.
“Academic advising is a developmental process which assists students in the clarification of their life/career goals and in the development of educational plans for the realization of these goals. It is a decision-making process by which students realize their maximum educational potential through communication and information exchanges with an advisor; it is ongoing, multifaceted and the responsibility of both student and advisor. The advisor serves as a facilitator of communication, a coordinator of learning experiences through course and career planning and academic progress review, and an agent of referral to other campus agencies as necessary.”
-Winston, R. B., Enders, S. C., & Miller, T. K. (1982). Developmental approach to academic advising.
Students who actively participate in academic advising will be able to:
Use LOCUS tools to search for and register for courses.
Identify and access appropriate University resources from our campus partners.
Identify Loyola Core education requirements and SCPS-specific program requirements.
Interpret their Academic Requirements Report (ARR) and use it to monitor progress toward degree completion.
Explain and follow relevant Loyola and SCPS academic policies and procedures.
Develop academic goals that align with their personal and career aspirations.
Our team will:
Be accessible through scheduled appointments, email, and phone, and respond to messages within 24–48 business hours.
Help you access and understand important academic information, including program requirements and university policies and procedures.
Explain how approved transfer credits apply to your program.
Assist with course selection, registration, and planning your progress toward graduation.
Help you develop, clarify, and adjust your academic goals and plans.
Discuss your academic progress and help you understand how your performance or other concerns may affect your goals.
Connect you with appropriate university offices, services, and resources.
Help you strengthen your decision-making and planning skills so you can take an active role in your education.
Protect the confidentiality of your educational information in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Listen thoughtfully, ask questions, and respect your individual experiences, needs, and goals.
To make the most of your academic advising experience, you are expected to:
Complete an advising appointment at least once a year, ideally before the next registration period begins, for support with course selection, academic planning, and university policies and procedures. Certificate students may schedule appointments as needed.
Prepare for appointments by reviewing your academic information and bringing questions, goals, and possible course selections.
Attend appointments as scheduled. If you are running late or need to cancel or reschedule, contact SCPS as soon as possible.
Communicate openly about questions, concerns, or circumstances that may affect your academic progress.
Follow through on referrals to university offices, services, and resources when appropriate.
Carefully consider guidance from the advising team and faculty when making academic decisions.
Take responsibility for reviewing your Academic Requirements Report and seeking assistance when information is unclear or appears incorrect.
Monitor important university dates and deadlines, including registration, scholarship applications, and course withdrawals.
Click on the button below to access the "Registration Ready" modules to prepare for your next registration period. These modules will guide you through the steps and information you need to select courses, register successfully, and stay on track toward completing your degree. You can return to them whenever you need support throughout your time at SCPS.
You can schedule an appointment with a member of our Dean's office team via the button below. For general questions, please send an email to scps@luc.edu or call 312-915-6501 so we can get you the support you need.