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When you enter a university or college, you
will usually be assigned an academic adviser who may be a
member of the faculty or a member of the university staff.
Your academic adviser will help you select your classes and
plan your program, and he or she may also monitor your progress.
You are free to seek advice from other faculty members as
well. Your college or university will provide you with information
about academic advising.
Before you meet with your academic adviser, however, it may
be helpful to design a tentative program plan based on your
own needs and desires. Know what the degree requirements are
or, if you are not certain, prepare a list of questions. Study
the university catalog, departmental course schedules, and
the printed schedule, which lists all the courses being offered
during the term and the days and times these courses will
meet. Note that not all courses must be taken in a particular
order; there is usually some flexibility in designing your
program.
At the first meeting with your academic adviser, you may
wish to discuss both your short-term and long-range professional
plans — that is, what you hope to do during your program and
after you finish your academic studies. You should discuss
the tentative program plan that you have drawn up for the
semester and possible adjustments to it. You may also wish
to discuss opportunities for field experience and other activities
that might enrich your educational experience. This information
will be useful as your academic adviser helps you decide about
various "elective" courses (courses you choose rather
than those you are required to take). If you do not speak
up, you will not benefit as much as you could from the knowledge
and experience of your academic adviser.
Many international students think they should not express
their opinion to their academic adviser, since this may be
perceived as inappropriate behavior or a sign of disrespect
in their own cultures. However, in American culture, it is
considered appropriate behavior to speak up and voice your
opinion freely. The role of the adviser is to help you make
your own decisions, not to make decisions for you. On most
campuses, your academic adviser is responsible for approving
your plan of study and the number of courses you will take
during each semester or quarter. Remember that taking a full
course load (usually 12 to 15 credit hours for undergraduates
and nine to 12 credit hours for graduates) is required in
order for your nonimmigrant student visa to remain valid.
Using your personal plan and his or her knowledge of the
school's requirements, your academic adviser will help you
decide upon a study plan based upon your goals and the requirements
for a degree. During the academic year, you should make appointments
with your academic adviser at regular intervals (a good time
is just prior to the next semester registration period) in
order to review your progress.
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