• Take initiative to schedule, keep all of your advising appointments, and be on time
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns
• Get to know your adviser and ask for help to develop your goals
• Utilize the resources offered at Oakland University, such as The Tutoring Center, The Writing Center and Career Services
• Know the basic university and departmental graduation requirements
• Accept responsibility and become familiar with academic policies and procedures
• Familiarize yourself with the academic calendar and be aware of all university and departmental deadlines
• Maintain copies of your grade reports and academic records
• Meet with your adviser regularly
• Keep a record of the information you learned in your advising appointments

WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR ADVISING APPOINTMENT:

• A list of questions or concerns
• Program plan of study and four-year degree plan
• Copies of transcripts and/or your transfer credit evaluation
• Copy of degree evaluation and/or progress to degree

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR ACADEMIC ADVISER:

• Will I graduate in four years?
• What major is the best fit for my skills?
• What are my career options with this major?
• How do I change my major?
• What do I need in order to declare major standing?
• I have no idea what I’m getting in my classes. How do I calculate my grades?
• What happens if I withdraw, add or drop a class?
• I’m thinking about transferring, what should I do?
• I don’t understand my transfer credit evaluation, is there anyone who can help me?

WHEN TO VISIT YOUR ACADEMIC ADVISER:

• Once a semester for first-year students and at least once a year for upperclassmen
• To prepare for class registration
• Questions about adding/dropping/withdrawing from classes
• Call or email your adviser for an override for your schedule
• Requesting permission to exceed max number of credits
• Questions about your mid-semester evaluation or early alert status
• Questions about probation
• Change/add majors or minors
• Interested in taking courses at a community college or another institution
• Transfer to another institution
• Information on internships, student involvement, study abroad
• Discuss your degree evaluation
• Discuss career and/or graduate school options
• Graduation audit (semester before graduation)