Tips to make your advising session successful

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• Anticipate your advising needs by scheduling an appointment early. Advisors’ schedules fill up quickly, especially during peak registration times and at the beginning and end of the semester. Plan to meet with your advisor anytime from September to February to create or review an academic plan that you can use to register during the March advanced registration period.
• Academic advising is more than preparing your schedule for the upcoming semester. Feel free to discuss academic and nonacademic issues relevant to your education with your advisor. It is easier for advisor to help if they have a full understanding of who you are and what your concerns are.
• Expect advisors to give you referrals. Advisors are your link to resources across campus designed to facilitate your success.
• Register during the March advanced registration period and you will be more likely to get the classes that you want on the days and times that you prefer.
• Ensure you've had all your transcripts sent to GVSU, whether it’s community college credit, CLEP exams, or AP scores. Keeping your records up to date will make sure we know exactly what you need to complete your degree. Failure to update your GVSU record could lead to duplicated credit and a waste of your time and tuition dollars.
• Why should I bother with an academic advisor? Your academic advisor knows the degree program you are working on, when courses are offered, what course sequence will serve your purposes, which supportive courses to take and when, how to get information about prerequisites, and so on.
• How often do I need to see my academic advisor? At a minimum, you should see your academic advisor before registering each year. It is best not to wait until registration begins, but rather to make an appointment with your advisor in the months before advanced registration. You can also meet with your advisor anytime you have questions or would like to review your academic plan or other information. Also, if you need assistance with understanding university policy or would like to know about university resources your advisor can assist you.
• When is Email advising appropriate? Email advising is appropriate for quick questions that do not involve extensive research. If your questions require more time or an in depth look at your records (such as planning a semester of classes), please schedule an appointment with an academic advisor by logging in through www.gvsu.edu/navigate, or by calling 6163316890.

Things to do After You Have an Appointment Scheduled:

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In order to make the most of your advising appointment, we highly recommend preparing ahead of time. Here is a short list of things you can do to make the most of your time with your advisor:

1. Print and review the myPath Tool available in myBanner. This tool gives you a detailed breakdown of graduation, general education, and declared major and minor requirements to help you better understand how your previous, current, and future coursework fits into your academic plan. You and your advisor will also review this document together during your appointment. Review detailed instructions for how to generate your myPath report.
    
2. Take a look at degree resource materials, including the GVSU General Education Handbook, the Undergraduate Catalog (note: be sure to select the catalog that matches your entrance year to GVSU). You may want to pay special attention to major and degree requirements that are not yet satisfied on your degree progress report so you are familiar with them or can ask questions if you are unclear. 
    
3. Write down 2 or 3 questions or goals you'd like to accomplish during your appointment. Be an active participant in the advising process. Seek your advisor's advice and recommendations about courses, course sequencing, campus resources, and the rest. Your advisor is there to assist you in your choices, but remember that the final decision is yours.
    
4. Create a tentative schedule or plan for yourself. Think about your work schedule and other responsibilities. Be prepared to discuss what kind of course load you want to take on and if you have special scheduling issues or needs.
    
5. Be on time!  If you have an appointment scheduled, make sure you are on time.  You might even want to show up early if possible.  Also, know where you are going ahead of time. Check your reminder message to confirm the location and time of your appointment. If you are late we may ask you to reschedule your appointment so the next student is not kept waiting. You should check in with the reception desk upon your arrival.
   
    *More information about Where We Are 
    
6. Take notes!  During your advising session you should take notes and keep copies of all documents you receive so that you are reminded about what was discussed during your session (e.g., referral, next steps, etc.).  Consider creating an “advising file” that you bring back to your next appointment!

How to Generate and Print a myPath progress report

In preparation for your advising appointment you will be REQUIRED to print a copy of your myPath report and bring it with you to your appointment. If you do not print a copy prior to checking in for your appointment, you will be asked to print a copy in our lobby. If this makes you late for your appointment, you may be asked to reschedule. Please plan to print the document the day before at another location OR arrive early enough to use our printers before your appointment.

*PLEASE NOTE* The myPath tool refreshes information once per day and will not reflect changes immediately. Please notify your advisor of any changes you have made to your schedule since printing the document.

Step-by-step guide for how to generate and print a myPath report.