What is the University Advising Center?
The University Advising Center supports first-time college students, sophomores, and first-semester transfer students as they transition into UMSL and lay the groundwork for success.
When do I get assigned an advisor in my major area?
Students transition to advisers in their home college once they hit 60 credit hours and remain there throughout graduation.
When do I meet with my advisor?
At UMSL, all undergraduate students are required to meet with an advisor before you enroll in your first semester and when you complete 90 hours.
You may be required to make appointments for other reasons including:
- Enrollment each semester
- You have met certain milestones in your degree program
- Changing your major
- You have not declared a major and have earned 60 hours
- Your admission status requires further appointments
- You are on academic probation
- You are at risk of losing financial aid eligibility or have lost financial aid eligibility
- You want to withdraw from the University
Do I need an appointment?
You do not need an appointment to:
- add or drop a class
- withdraw from a course
- modify a grade
- complete major change paperwork
- get advice about your academic progress
- ask a question about a course
- locate/submit a form or application
You should make an appointment to:
- create an academic plan
- pre-register or register for classes
- work on your 90 hour completion plan
- explore an alternative major
- drop all of your courses
- apply for graduation
How should I prepare for my appointment?
- Prepare a list of questions and/or concerns you would like to address in the advising session.
- Review the Bulletin, UMSL’s description of programs, requirements, policies and procedures.
- Obtain and bring completed transcripts from other educational institutions, placement test results, advanced credit decisions, etc.
- Bring a list of courses that interest you and are relevant to your major
- Be prepared to describe strengths and goals as well as barriers that prevent you from achieving your goals.
- Be ready to interact in the decision-making process.
What should I do after an appointment?
- Follow through with suggestions, referrals and resources.
- Keep a record of your academic progress, including notes from advising meetings, your MyDegree Degree Audit, and other documents reviewed at the meetings.
- Work to develop a mutual relationship with your assigned advisor by scheduling appointments.
