What is Academic Advising

Academic advising at Carroll University is a collaborative partnership between you (the student) and your academic advisor who is a member of Carroll's faculty or staff. As a result of this dynamic relationship with your academic advisor, you will be given direction and support as you:

  • Take ownership of your educational experience and learn to become a member of the Carroll community by thinking critically about your role and responsibility as a student.
  • Achieve your educational, career, and personal goals during your time at Carroll University.
  • Prepare to be an educated citizen of our global community by extending your learning beyond Carroll's campus.

At Carroll, we have both faculty and professional academic advisors who are experts in the requirements that comprise your educational program.

  • If you have a major/specific area of study in mind, you will be assigned a faculty advisor within that academic department.
  • If you are still exploring your options or are unsure of your academic direction, you will be assigned a professional academic advisor who has general curricular knowledge and can assist you in exploring all options.
  • Students in certain academic programs will be assigned a professional advisor during their first year while students in other programs, such as Education, will work with a professional academic advisor in the Center for Academic Advising throughout their undergraduate career. 
Frequently Asked Advising Questions
Find Answers Here
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Expectations for you and your academic advisor

Advising is a team effort between you and your academic advisor. You’ll get the most out of your advising experience if you go into it with the right set of expectations. Do you know what to expect from your academic advisor, and what’s expected of you?

Expectations for Students

Seek Support. Take the initiative to seek support as often as you need it. It’s up to you to schedule (and attend) your appointments.

Monitor your progress. Become familiar with, and track important deadlines, requirements, and policies that affect you.

Come prepared. You’re in charge of leading your academic advising appointment. Check your student portal, draft some questions for your academic advisor, and be prepared to talk about your academic and career-related goals.

Be honest. Your academic advisor can only help you if they understand your interests, goals, struggles, and concerns. Be willing to open up.

Follow through. Your academic advising appointment is only half of what you need to do. To get the most out of your academic advising experience, you need to follow through on any task your academic advisor assigns you.

Take responsibility. Understand that the final decision is always up to you. Your academic advisor is here as a guide and will challenge you to make independent decisions, and to set personal goals.

Expectations for Academic Advisors

Be available. Your academic advisor will be available to you on a regular basis and respond to you in a timely manner.

Clarify information. Your academic advisor will help you interpret or find answers to university policies, procedures, and requirements.

Stay current. Your academic advisor will actively stay up to date through professional development opportunities and training.

Provide a supportive environment. Your academic advisor will be non-judgmental, and keep your information confidential (unless there are special circumstances).

Make suggestions and connections. Your academic advisor will explain the pros and cons of different options, give you some suggestions and make referrals to appropriate campus resources, when necessary.

Help develop independence. Your academic advisor will challenge you to take initiative, and provide a supportive environment for you to develop your decision making skills.

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Why See an Academic Advisor?

Here are just a few topics you can chat about with an academic advisor:

  • Exploring majors/minors/emphases
  • Making schedule changes
  • Setting academic, career, and life goals
  • Getting involved with campus organizations
  • Navigating challenges and difficulties
  • Connecting with tutors
  • Selecting a study abroad program
  • Connecting majors and careers
  • Graduate school planning
  • Understanding university policies and deadlines
  • Making meaning of course choices

Every Pioneer Needs Guides and Support

Explore Student Services
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