What is Advising and an Academic Advisor

Academic Advising

One of the most important relationships you can establish as you begin your college career here at the University of Central Florida is with your academic advisor. You will be assigned to one of the following advising offices during your first year of college:

First Year Advising and Exploration(FYAE) advise the following populations:

EXCEL students
KSP (Knight Success Program)
Freshman Living Learning Community
First time in college students

Student Academic Resource Center(SARC) advise the following populations:

PEGASUS Success Program
CAP
STEP

Multicultural Academic Support Services(MASS) advise the following populations:

SOAR

Sophomore and Second Year Center(SSYC) advise the following populations:

First time in college students who have completed 45 or more credit hours by the time of fall enrollment.

Academic Services for Student Athletes(ASSA) advise the following populations:

Student Athletes

First year students will meet with an academic advisor during their summer orientation program and will continue to work with that advising office through the completion of their first year in college. After the spring semester of your first year your advising office will be in the college of your major.

The Role of the Academic Advisor

Your academic advisor is more than a schedule planner. Students are encouraged to work closely with their advisor and meet regularly with this individual. It is important that students are open and honest with their advisor and share information so that the student will have a successful transition from the high school experience to college.
You should consult your advisor about the following:

Adding or dropping a class
Withdrawing from a class
Information on future registration of courses
Transient course work done over the summer
Advanced college credit
Change of major or declaring a new major

Some students may find that their transition from the high school to college is not as smooth as they anticipated, and should speak to their advisor concerning the obstacles they are facing. Academic advisors are knowledgeable in most areas of the university and are more than happy to assist you.

Differences between a guidance counselor and an academic advisor

Students in high school worked with a guidance counselor. Normally, this individual assisted you with your course selection. Your academic advisor in a University setting does assist you in course planning, but also assists in other ways. Academic advisors can assist students in developing stronger time management skills, study skills, goal setting and meeting the rigors of college work. Academic advisors are professionally trained and have earned advanced degrees equipping them with the skills and knowledge of working with college-aged students.

Navigating a large research institution can be challenging and your academic advisor can assist you with appropriate referrals with other campus resources found on the UCF campus.

It is not uncommon that many students either change their major or are uncertain of a major during their first year of college. An academic advisor can assist students with career choices and exploration of different majors. The General Education Program (GEP) at UCF provides a structure for your course selection and serves as a means to explore certain areas or majors. Your advisor can suggest which courses are appropriate for exploring your options.

Connecting with your advisor

It is important that you connect with your advisor at least once a semester. You should meet with your advisor as early as possible in the semester and well before your enrollment time for registration. You can connect with your advisor in a typical one-on one meeting, or attending one of the many outreach programs sponsored by First Year Advising and Exploration throughout the year. Academic advisors are also available through email, instant message and Facebook.

In the spring of your first year, you will be invited to attend the College Connections Program generally held after spring break. Your first year advisor will introduce you to your college advising office and the professional advisors in the college who will be advising you once you complete your first year in college. These advisors will assist you in your progress towards graduation and to verify that you are meeting all the requirements required by your college.

Your successful transition from high school to college is very important to your academic advisor. Your advisor is available for you but you must be an integral part of that relationship. Your academic advisor wants to see you succeed!