Following are some tips on "How to Use an Advisor" that is made available from the College of Arts and Sciences:
* Most advisors depend on the student to take the initiative in making an appointment or coming by, during regular office hours. Don't wait! Experience has shown that what students don't know can hamper their educational success the most!
* The policies, regulations, and requirements at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln make up a mountain of information, and much of that information gets changed from time to time. Students must keep this in mind when asking a question, or when needing assistance. Often the advisor finds it necessary to call someone else or send the student somewhere else for an answer, solution, or help. Advisors must get credit for knowing where to get the right answer!
* The most constructive outcome of advising is the fact that students do their own scheduling, choosing, and planning. When an advisor asks, "What do you think?" or "Which do you prefer?" or something similar, there's no buck being passed; it's just being placed where it will always stop, with the student!
* Students are encouraged to keep records of their academic progress in order to help themselves and their advisors during advising sessions. Students should keep their Undergraduate Bulletin and refer to it often. It is the student's responsibility to fulfill the requirements stated in the Undergraduate Bulletin which was received upon entering UNL. All grade reports should be kept and reviewed as well as progress toward completion evaluated frequently. Students should use all advising materials provided by their major department. Students may wish to create an advising folder and bring it to advising meetings, as it is extremely useful to have all necessary records in one place.
* Students must understand what is necessary to fulfill their graduation requirements:
1. Entrance requirements. Are there any deficiencies that must be satisfied in order to graduate?
2. General Requirements for graduation (such as the minimum hours for the degree; 30 hours in courses numbered above 299, etc.).
3. Essential Studies Requirements; Integrative Studies Requirements
* Students should prepare for advising sessions by looking at required courses and options within them. Making out a list of questions beforehand insures that all questions get answered.
* When visiting with an advisor, students should introduce themselves and explain why they are there. Advisors need to know each student's educational-vocational plans. Also, ask questions if the information is insufficient or misleading.
