This document provides information about academic advising at Michigan State University. It explains that students should meet with their academic advisor at least once per semester to ensure they are on track to graduate. It describes the different types of advisors that are available, including major advisors who are located in the student's college and sign off on their degree. The document encourages students to declare a major by junior year and offers tips on pursuing minors, specializations, or a double major to complement their primary degree.

1. Academic Advising Tricks of the Trade Lauren Gaines, Academic Advisor College of Communication Arts & Sciences

2. Congratulations and Welcome to Michigan State University. You're a Spartan now! We have every expectation you will continue the tradition of excellence we have come to appreciate at MSU!

3. What Do You Think? What does an Academic Advisor do? How many advisors do you have? Where might you find these individuals? How often should you meet with an Academic Advisor?

4. Exactly! Academic Advisors are here to provide academic guidance and support while you are here at MSU. You should meet with an advisor at least once per semester to make sure you are on the right path to achieve your ultimate goal…. GRADUATION . Advising offices are located throughout campus, although your primary advisor will be in your college. You have access to several advisors at MSU and each can provide a variety of resources

5. Which Advisor Does What? CAAP Advisor, OSS Office of Supportive Services Connects you with tutoring, academic resources and support services Provides personal planning, career guidance and skill enrichment seminars. Helps students to develop coping and self management survival skills for success at MSU Offer a variety of programs geared towards academic advancement

6. UUD Advisor Undergraduate University Division Provides information on Major/Career Selection Academic progress monitoring until you reach 56 credits (Junior Status) (Probation, Recess and Dismissal) Handles student administrative issues (enrollment, grading and academic policies) and MAJOR CHANGES until you reach 56 credits . Offers special events and programs geared towards academic success

7. HONORS COLLEGE ADVISOR Works with your Major Advisor to allow maximum advantage of flexibility in filling degree requirements Will verify substitutions, honors options and alternate courses

8. MAJOR ADVISOR *SIGNS OFF ON YOUR DEGREE* Located in the college that houses your major Provides academic, personal support and guidance Knows ALL of your major requirements, familiar with programs in your college, specializations, minors etc Resource for career and internship planning Will help you map out your schedule for the next 4 years at MSU Best resource for academic planning for your major. Signs off on your DEGREE

9. COME AND SEE US!! Make appointments at: http://netweb11.ais.edu/advising Come in and see us at least once per semester! We want you to succeed and take advantage of every resource MSU has to offer!

10. What About My Major?? MSU has more than 150 Majors. If you are unsure, choose the one you are most interested in, so you can receive as much information as possible about the major/college while you’re deciding. Must declare a major by the time you reach Junior Status (56 credits) Can change at any time and as many times as it takes, but after 1-2 years a late major change may affect your expected GRADUATION time.

11. What Else Can I Do? MINORS! About 30 offered at MSU Several language minors and select departments Great addition to your primary degree Select # of courses can double count for your primary degree Can complete in 4 years if you start NOW. SPECIALIZATIONS! Over 100 offered at MSU Focus on a variety of special topics and areas of study Great addition to your primary degree Any applicable courses can double count for your degree Can complete in 4 years, if you start NOW! ***A Double Major offers the same perks and benefits; it can also complete in 4 years if you start NOW***

12. QUESTIONS?

13. For even more AWESOME information on your first year at MSU check out: http://fyi.msu.edu