Academic advising plays a vital role in a student's college career. Advising often helps a student realize the importance of their major and how to best approach a program of study. The College of Visual and Performing Arts strives to provide effective advising that enhances the college experience. We have an open door policy and consistently encourage students to take advantage of this valuable service. We also encourage students to actively seek out answers to solve whatever problem may exist. In the end, those who are most successful are those who become involved in the process using their available resources.The primary purpose of academic advising is to assist you in developing meaningful educational plans that are compatible with your life goals. Successful academic advising occurs when you and your advisor work together as partners in a relationship that focuses on collaboration. The College of Visual & Performing Arts has developed a strong support system for all students. In addition to your faculty advisor, you have another resource available. This support is available in the academic advising center that is located in the Trinkle Hall Piano Lounge. The Academic Advising Center staff can help you with:

  • grade point average calculations
  • clarification of policies and procedures
  • graduation checkouts
  • transfer approval of courses
  • appropriate referrals
  • withdrawing from a class
  • completing academic petitions
  • assistance on administrative issues

It is important to recognize that academic advising is more than selecting courses for an upcoming semester or making a plan to follow to graduate. Both parties of the partnership should have specified expectations of the other partner.

It is your responsibility to: initiate and maintain contact with your advisor; discuss situations and issues that affect your academic performance (such as work and family commitments); learn basic university, college and departmental requirements, policies and procedures and to accept your responsibility for meeting and abiding by them; and seek assistance when you need it.