What is Academic Advising?

Academic advising takes many forms. An academic advisor can:

Monitor a students’ progress in their major.

Provide information on academic requirements needed for graduation:
    •  Discuss how a course of study fits a particular academic or career interest
    •  Answer questions concerning a particular academic concern, such as problems with a particular class
        or how to contact an instructor
    •  Assist students in developing an academic and career plan
    •  Inform students about possible scholarships or fellowships and how to apply for them
    •  Guide students through the registration process, including providing information on various registration
        blocks and what needs to be done to remove them.

Help students plan for future graduate study or career:
    •  Discuss how an academic major can prepare a student for his/her career, and what career
        options are available
    •  Refer students to the Career Center which provides career counseling as well as workshops
        on various careers, on writing resumes, preparing for job interviews, etc.
    •  Inform students about graduate school requirements and application procedures
    •  Inform students about internship opportunities and how they can possibly receive credit for them
    •  Provide information on study abroad programs that might enrich a student's academic
       experience as well as enhance their resume.

Serve as a campus resource:
    •  Refer students to various academic support units that provide tutoring or workshops on study skills,
        time management, stress management, etc.
    •  Recommend to students to seek counseling for stress, addictions, traumas that may be affecting their
        academic work
    •  Inform students with physical and learning disabilities of the support available to them
    •  Encourage students to get involved on campus via social, political, academic, ethnic/cultural, sport,
        and/or recreational student organizations and activities

Some advisors can provide information on all of the above. However, sometimes advisors specialize in a particular topic or area of concern. For example, your college/department may have a specific career advisor or study abroad coordinator. Furthermore, some advisors work with specific populations, i.e. returning students, athletes, physical or learning disabilities, students of color, etc.

When requesting to meet with an advisor, specify what topics you wish to discuss to ensure that you are directed to the appropriate individual

Academic advising is a shared responsibility between the student and the advisor.

Advising at the University of Maryland is normally a combination of professional advisors, located in many of the college offices, faculty advisors. Please check your individual college to find out whom you need to see for academic advising.

A James Clark School of Engineering

College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation

College of Arts and Humanities

College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

College of Chemical and Life Sciences

College of Computer, Mathematical and Physical Sciences

College of Education

School of Public Health

Philip Merrill College of Journalism

Robert H. Smith School of Business

Letters and Sciences (for students who have not yet declared a major)