~contributions from your Academic Advisors in psychology

You can feel excitement in the air.  A week long respite from classes and homework and parking is just around the corner.  Do you have your spring break plans in place?  Whether you’ve planned a ‘fun in the sun’ trip or a relaxing week of becoming one with your couch and a few good movies, or catching up on some…ahem…homework, our hope is that you can use the time to relax and renew for the final stretch of the spring semester.

The end of March also marks the beginning of the registration season for the summer and fall semesters.  Beginning Monday, March 23 (the first day you return from the Spring Break week), priority registration begins.  The Advisors in the Department of Psychology are preparing and here are some tips on how you can prepare. 

Mark your calendar:

Advising Open House

Group Advising – Open to all Psychology Majors – FREE food!

Wednesday, March 25th
1:00-3:00pm
LD 124 – Psychology Conference Room

Thursday, March 26th
4:00-6:00pm
LD 124 – Psychology Conference Room

Resources you will find useful:

• The OnCourse site Psych Career & Academic Advising has a Resource folder full of Advising Resources including the all important checksheets, links to the Bulletin and the Registrar, information sheets on choosing electives, choosing between the BS and BA, track concentrations….and more.
• In OneStart Student Centers in the 'My Academics & Grades' section is where you’ll find your Advisement Report.  This is an awesome tool for helping you see the degree requirements and how you are progressing toward the degree.  If you are not familiar with how to use this tool, find instructions here.
• The Psychology Advising Office (LD 123) should be your first stop for all questions and concerns about registration and advising.  The Peer Advisors (PAs) who staff this office are expertly trained, have been in your shoes, and know when to refer.  Peer Advisors also are responsible for scheduling advising appointments for almost all of our advisors.  You will find your advisor assignments in OneStart Student Centers.  If you need to change your advisor, the PAs can help you with that process as well.

How you should prepare for your advising appointment:

• Bring your Advisement Report.  If you need help learning to navigate and understand this report, see a Peer Advisor.  Also, read through this document carefully.  Highlight sections where you have ‘Requirements Not Satisfied.’
• Bring a plan.  What classes are you interested in taking in the coming semesters (summer/fall)?  Understanding the degree requirements (use the Checksheets and the School of Science Bulletin)  NOTE:  Be sure to choose the Checksheet and Bulletin that corresponds to the date you became a major in the School of Science.  Don’t expect your advisor to tell you what to take.  Expect your advisor to review YOUR plan, to verify that you are on track, and to make recommendations based on your goals.
• Bring questions.  Your advisor would love to talk to you more about your future plans.  Are you interested in graduate school or a job with your bachelor’s degree?  Or are you undecided?  Let this advising appointment be a time to talk about your future plans.  So, come prepared so there is time to talk about the fun stuff!