Why should I work with an advisor?
You're in the driver's seat, so think of your advisor as your co-pilot (not a backseat driver!) who is there to help you stay on course.
Working with your advisor may help you avoid mistakes like: taking classes you don't need, missing a class that may not be offered for another year or more, or accidentally missing a pre-requisite for a required course. An ideal advisor will not only help you enroll in courses and map out a plan of action, but will help you develop critical thinking skills and make tough decisions regarding your academic career at Henderson. Your advisor wants to see you succeed!
When should I see my advisor?
- Whenever you encounter problems that affect your academic performance
- When it is time to schedule classes (Reminder: Be sure to register as early as possible!)
- To discuss academic progress
- Discuss career considerations
- Withdraw from a course/courses
- Explore a change of major
- Check out internships or study abroad
- .... and much more!
Check out the Undergraduate Catalog, for more info about drop/adds, degree requirements, and much more!
Why do I have two advisors?
Every student is assigned both a professional advisor and a faculty advisor when they are accepted to Henderson.
Professional Advisor
- Your professional advisor (PA) is located in the Academic Advising Center. The PA’s primary role is to serve as intake advisors, and to advise students during the first year of their academic careers. This means that professional advisors will advise incoming freshman students during Heart Start as well as incoming transfer students. Professional Advisors will advise continuing freshman students and students who have not declared a major area of study.
- Professional Advisors provide assistance to students, prospective students, faculty advisors, and others regarding general education rules and regulations, academic procedures, and university policies and procedures.
- PA’s will monitor information from the HSU catalog regarding university policies and procedures.
- Professional Advisors additional responsibilities include processing change of major forms and assigning faculty advisors in the new majors.
- Students should complete a graduation application during the first semester of their senior year or after completing 80 hours counting toward a degree. Meet with your professional advisor to obtain the graduation application.
Faculty Departmental Advisor
- The primary role for faculty advisors is to advise sophomore, junior and senior students (those who have completed 30 hours or more semester credit hours majoring in their respective disciplines).
- The faculty advisor is best equipped to help students select courses in their disciplines because they understand the material included in these courses.
- They can advise student’s regarding the courses that best fit with students’ academic and career goals.
- They also are in a good position to advise students regarding careers and opportunities for graduate study.
Before an advising appointment:
Print this handy Advising Session CHECKLIST (PDF) and fill it out before each advising appointment!
Create a tentative schedule for yourself before checking in with your advisor. Preparing ahead of time will make your advising appointment go smoothly and you'll have plenty of time to ask questions if you already know which classes you need to take. Be sure to select a few back up courses in case your first choices are already closed.
After an advising appointment:
Take your advisor's advice! Form your class schedule based on their recommendations, review any materials you discussed, follow-up with referrals or recommended resources, and write down any new questions you may have for future appointments.
Help! I can’t decide on a major!
- Review your academic strengths, weaknesses, hobbies, passions, and career interests
- Research majors based on this information
- Compare and contrast classes and degree requirements
- Make an appointment with your advisor!
Research majors. Study what you love!
Take a career assessment test. “Do What You Are” Contact your advisor.
“To Do” List for Current Students:
- Before you enroll each semester, review your major degree plan! Make a note of which classes you are still missing and map out a plan of action.
- Fill out and print the course schedule.
- Look over the course schedule for the upcoming semester – which dates/times are available? Create your own schedule and make an appointment with your advisor to discuss course options, career exploration, and planning for future semesters.
- Explore your options – Opportunities for personal and educational development.
- Get involved in the campus community!
- Nearing graduation? Ask your advisor about Graduation Requirements – He or she will make sure you’re on track!
Your Senior Year!
Just one year until graduation. It is time to apply for graduation. Schedule an appointment with your professional advisor.
It's about time to step out into the real world. Are you going on to graduate or professional school or jumping straight into a career? Have you considered an internship in the profession of your choice? Talk to your faculty advisor about what you plan to do next. Your faculty advisor is there to help you decide where to go from here.