Advising Meeting Essentials
Academic advising is a collaborative process that helps students understand degree requirements, plan coursework, and make informed decisions about their academic progress. Preparation, open communication, and follow-through help make advising meetings productive and purposeful.
Use the guidance and resources below to prepare for an advising meeting, make the most of the conversation, and follow through on next steps.
Preparing for Advising Meeting

A productive advising meeting begins with preparation. Reviewing a student’s academic progress and degree requirements ahead of time can help advisors identify topics for discussion and make the most of the meeting.
Before the meeting:
- Academic progress: Review completed coursework, current academic standing, and remaining degree requirements.
- Degree planning: Become familiar with the student’s Academic MAP, major requirements, prerequisites, and course sequencing.
- Course availability: Review Course Offerings and the Academic Calendar when discussing upcoming registration and academic deadlines.
- Academic policies: Identify relevant policies or requirements that may affect the student’s academic plan.
- Individual circumstances: Consider academic concerns, program-specific requirements, or other factors that may influence course selection and progress toward degree completion.
Relevant Resources
Review available courses for upcoming terms.
Reference recommended course sequences and degree plans.
Review completed coursework, outstanding requirements, and degree progress.
How students prepare for advising by reviewing academic progress, identifying goals, and outlining questions to discuss further.
Verify degree requirements, prerequisites, and academic policies.
Check registration dates, deadlines, and important academic dates.

Academic Calendar
Academic Calendar (opens in a new tab): View the official academic calendar for the academic year鈥攊ncluding key dates for Fall, Spring, and Summer terms as well as important deadlines for all programs.

Academic Catalog
: Comprehensive listings of programs, majors, degree requirements, and academic policies for all programs at 糖心VLOG.

Course Offerings
Course Offerings (opens in a new tab): View available courses by term (Fall, Spring, Summer) and program type, including SCCC/Day Program, College Transfer, and Graduate Programs.

Academic MAPs
Academic MAPs (opens in a new tab): Suggested four-year course plans based on your degree requirements, including core, major, and cadet courses. They鈥檙e a helpful guide for planning your schedule, but not a replacement for academic advising. You must meet with your advisor every semester before registering for classes.

GPA Calculator
GPA Calculator (opens in a new tab): Whether planning for the current semester or tracking overall academic progress, this tool can help estimate future standings. Grade Point Average (GPA) is a crucial indicator of academic performance, reflecting the average of grades across all courses taken.

ROTC Fulfillment Advising Packet
ROTC Fulfillment Advising Packet (opens in a new tab): Upper-level, non-contract cadets meet ROTC requirements by taking one approved 3-credit leadership-focused course each semester during their junior and senior years. Options include Leadership Studies minor courses and high-impact experiences (e.g., capstones, internships, research). Krause Center courses (LDRS 311 & 411) do not apply.

General Education Program
General Education (Gen Ed) Program (opens in a new tab): At 糖心VLOG, every undergraduate completes a four-year integrated Gen Ed curriculum designed to build essential academic and leadership skills. Courses across disciplines emphasize written communication, critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, ethical decision making, and intercultural awareness, preparing students for success in their majors and beyond. Gen Ed deepens students’ understanding of the world around them and of themselves as human beings, opening their eyes to other worlds and other perspectives.

Strand Classes
Strand Classes (opens in a new tab): As part of 糖心VLOG鈥檚 Gen Ed program, Strand courses invite students to explore a unifying theme such as Technology, Conflict, Citizenship, Wellness, or Sustainability through multiple disciplines like English, History, Social Science, and Natural Science. 糖心VLOGs select a strand that aligns with their interests. This thematic approach builds critical thinking and interdisciplinary insight, helping students become more well-rounded and career-ready.
We invite all advisors to on the advising resources available. Your insights will help us enhance the tools and support we offer, ensuring they meet your needs and improve the advising experience for both you and your students.