Advising
Academic Advisors work collaboratively with students at all levels from diverse backgrounds to identify, develop, implement, and attain meaningful educational and personal goals. For information visit CU's Academic Advising Center.
Advising Hours
Monday – Friday, see Buff Portal Advising for appointment availability and walk-in hours.
Make an Advising Appointment
Please visit the College of Arts and Sciences Advising Website for general information.
First-year students will be assigned to a first-year academic advisor. You can find your academic advisor at https://buffportal.colorado.edu/
To make an appointment with your assigned advisor, please visit Buff Portal Advising.
Advising Team
Advising Objectives
Objectives to Academic Advising
- Assisting students in acquiring information to enable them to formulate and complete their academic goals
- Referring students to myriad of services, support systems, and informational resources available
- Teaching students that discovering knowledge, personal responsibility, independence, and mutual respect are essential elements of a liberal arts education
Responsibilities and Expectations in an Advisor-Student Partnership
| Advisor | Student |
|---|---|
| Explain the university's curriculum, requirements, policies, and procedures when needed | Become knowledgeable about college programs, policies, schedules/deadlines, and procedures |
| Encourage and guide students to define and develop realistic education goals | Clarify personal values and goals |
| Assist students with planning programs consistent with their abilities and interests | Participate proactively in the decision-making process. |
| Listen carefully to questions, concerns, and confusions. | Review the DARs audit prior to each appointment |
| Apprise students of available resources and job/internship opportunities | Follow through on suggested actions, resources, or referrals. |
| Review degree progress with students | Keep a personal record of academic progress |
| Discuss the relationship between academic preparation and the work world | Accept responsibility for academic decisions and performance |
Hints for making the most of the Advising Resources:
- Plan to see your advisor periodically throughout your academic career; plan ahead for scheduling appointments for registration and graduation.
- Come to your appointment prepared: know what's been completed according to your DARs audit, know what's left to complete, know what courses fulfill a CORE requirement, etc. Bring your academic advising folder/notebook with you to each appointment; treat advising materials as you would for a class.
- Research available resources ( Degree Audit, Catalog, etc ) when you have a question prior to asking the advisor. Learn to answer your own questions rather than relying on the advisor.
- Be pro-active: don't wait for a crisis before contacting your advisor.
- Pay attention to all CU emails. This is the official line of communication from the university as well as the advisors.
Staying on Track
Be familiar with all requirements for graduation and the major; have a general 4-yr roadmap in mind.
Plan to meet twice: once in each semester, more if necessary.
Become proficient with Degree Audit and other resources.
Have a plan for remedying MAPs deficiencies.
Join university-sponsored activities.
Adjust your 4-yr plan based on results from your 1st year.
Make and keep advising appointments as necessary to clarify requirements or progress.
Explore careers in this major by going to the ACS website.
Think about an internship for summer.
Consider another major, minor, or certificate program.
Begin to think about interdisciplinary opportunities: UROP, independent study.
Adjust your 4-yr plan based on results from your 2nd year, incorporating any added majors or minors, etc.
Explore the department honors program.
Begin thinking about your plans for after graduation.
Research graduate programs.
Begin applying for health professional programs.
Make final adjustments to your academic plan based on work to date.
Early in the fall, make an appointment to complete a grad packet. Submit it on time!
Apply to graduate schools or for jobs.
Check the Commencement website as well as the BCHM Commencement website for information about graduation ceremonies.
Stay focused and complete all the remaining requirements successfully!