Academic Advising Partnership
Current list of Academic Advisors
The student-advisor partnership is a valuable relationship that can positively impact your academic success. Professional advisors and faculty members offer individualized assistance, helping you integrate formal classroom education with informal educational opportunities.
Who are the academic advisors at Ohio State and what can they do for me?
Academic advisors are helpful individuals with valuable information. They include professional advisors with advanced degrees and/or experience in counseling or college student affairs and faculty members who teach in the area in which they advise.
Every Ohio State student has access to a variety of academic advising services. Advisors can help explore educational and career opportunities, set appropriate goals and decide strategies for accomplishing those goals. In addition, advisors can provide a listening ear, share in your achievements and disappointments, answer questions and direct you to other appropriate services. Advisors work closely with the University faculty, departments, administration and support services.
Can my parents talk to my academic advisor?
Of course, but remember that the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prevents advisors from disclosing confidential information about your academic record without your written consent. Advisors can, however, answer your parents’ questions about the policies and procedures of the University and can provide appropriate referrals.
Why would I meet with an academic advisor?
Students meet with their academic advisors to:
- request information about academic programs
- clarify policies and procedures
- understand degree requirements
- monitor progress toward a degree
- verify transfer credits
- research careers, internships and co-op programs
- discuss academic problems
- investigate other majors
- share personal concerns
- benefit from a listener who cares
- register for classes
- drop or add classes
What is my role as the student in the advising partnership?
Your role is to:
- share information
- seek help before a situation escalates into a crisis
- know how academic actions affect your status, re: financial aid, insurance, visa, probation
- prepare for advising appointments
- maintain a file of advising materials
- know and complete program requirements
- audit academic records regularly
- ask questions and always follow up
- explore options
Who is responsible for monitoring my progress toward a degree?
Monitoring progress toward a degree is your responsibility. Academic advisors provide information and serve as consultants in the audit process, but you must understand degree requirements and know when and how those requirements will be satisfied.
What is the advisor’s role in the advising partnership?
The advisor’s role is to:
- provide accurate information
- interpret policies and procedures
- listen to problems and concerns
- make referrals for other services
- assist with appropriate course selection
- help with goal setting
- encourage career exploration
