Frequently Asked Questions About Academic Advising
- Who are my advisors?
- Why do I have more than one advisor?
- How do I find out who my advisors are?
- How and when do I meet my advisors?
- How do I know which advisor to consult?
- Is it possible to have more than two advisors?
- What are my responsibilities to my advisors?
- Why don’t I hear exactly the same answer from each advisor I consult?
Who are my advisors?
Students in the Colleges of the Arts and Sciences (ASC) have at least two academic advisors. One is an advisor in the major department, and one is an advisor in the ASC Advising and Academic Services Office in Denney Hall.
- ASC Honors students have an ASC Honors advisor in Enarson Hall, as well as a departmental advisor.
- Visual or Performing Arts majors and pre-majors have an ASC Advisor in 050 Denney Hall, as well as in their major department. [History of Art majors should go to 100 Denney.]
Why do I have more than one advisor?
Ohio State offers a rich array of opportunities. In order to get the maximum benefit from Ohio State, students need to consult with the experts. Advisors in the major departments are specialists. Advisors in ASC Advising have broader roles; they also have specialized expertise in the General Education Curriculum, degree requirements, graduation certification, etc.
Advisors in the major department specialize in the requirements and opportunities for students in the major area. For information about overall degree requirements, developing a personalized curriculum plan, minors and double majors, academic difficulty, registration and scheduling, and a host of other subjects, students should consult ASC advisors.
In all aspects of life, you will consult with experts. You will want to get academic advice from the appropriate expert. You would not consult a personal trainer for financial advice—for academic advice in a particular area, you want to consult the advisor who has the knowledge, training, and authority appropriate for your individual needs.
How do I find out who my advisors are?
To find out who your major advisor is, contact the major department
To find out who your ASC advisor is, you can:
- Call the ASC advising office at (614) 292-6961. If an advisor has been assigned, you will be given the name of your assigned advisor. If an advisor has not yet been assigned to you, one will be assigned to you after you come into the office for your next appointment. You may make an appointment at the time of your call.
- You may also stop in at the main advising office in 100 Denney (west lobby of Denney Hall) and speak with the personnel at the front desk.
Notes: If you are an Honors student, go to 207 Enarson. If you are a student in the College of the Arts, go to 050 Denney (unless you are majoring in History of Art, in which case you go to 100 Denney.)
How and when do I meet my advisors?
You are likely to meet your Arts and Sciences advisor at orientation. Your Arts and Sciences advisor will teach your Survey 100 course in your first quarter. During your first quarter at Ohio State, you will have the opportunity, arranged through the Survey 100 course, to meet the advisor(s) in your major department.
If you haven’t met your advisors, you can find out who your advisors are and how to contact them by clicking here.How do I find out who my advisors are?]
How do I know which advisor (major or ASC) to consult?
Here are some general guidelines. For some situations, such as preparing to apply for graduation, you may need to see both of your principal advisors.
Consult with your Major Advisor when you:
- Need information about major courses and requirements
- Need assistance with:
Research in the major
Internship opportunities in the major
Career opportunities in the major
Study abroad - Need information about graduate school in the major field
- Need approval of your major program in order to graduate
- Need to revise your Honors contract
- Have transfer credit evaluated for the major
- Need to file a petition with regard to major requirements
- Need information on departmental scholarships
Consult with your Arts and Sciences Advisor when you:
- Need assistance with overall degree planning
Understanding the goals, rationale, and value of the General Education Curriculum (GEC)
Choosing non-major courses in the context of your program of study, interests, and goals to build a personally meaningful curriculum
Choosing complementary courses to take advantage of overlaps and interplay among the majors, general education courses, minors, special programs, and special interest areas
Are interested in double majors or dual degrees
Choosing a minor or a special program - Need assistance with scheduling courses
- Are applying for graduation
- Are re-deciding your choice of major--finding the right “fit” for your interests, goals, and aptitudes
- Are exploring study abroad opportunities
- Have questions about transfer credit and its application to an Ohio State degree
- Need assistance navigating the university and the various rules and regulations (degree requirements; faculty rules; policies of the Registrar’s Office (OUR), Financial Aid, Fees & Deposits, etc.)
- Have concerns about your academic performance
- Need assistance or referrals regarding personal issues affecting your ability to make academic progress
- Need help in choosing academic experiences to enhance future success (research, theses, internships, employment, co-curricular opportunities, volunteer experiences, skill development)
- Need information about professional school (including preparation for graduate- and professional-level testing, resume-building, academic achievement, intern and volunteer experience, co-curricular experience)
- Are exploring careers
Is it possible to have more than two advisors
Yes. In addition to your major advisor and your advisor in ASC Advising, you may also have advisors in these areas: your minor(s)your minor(s), your pre-professional area (for example, pre-law or pre-medicine), your scholars program, diversity services, career services, disability services, athletics, financial aid, study abroad, internships, etc.
What should you expect from academic advising?
You should expect respectful, honest, accurate, and timely assistance. You should expect assistance in obtaining your educational goals and objectives, consistent with the opportunities available at the university. You should expect advisors to safeguard the privacy of your academic information as required by federal and state law and by Ohio State policy.
You may not always hear what you want to hear from advisors. Advisors must enforce Ohio State rules and policies—some of which you may not agree with. Try to separate the message from the messenger. Ask yourself "Even if I didn't like what I heard, did the advisor treat me with respect?"
You may not always hear exactly the same answer from every advisor you consult.
Why don’t I hear exactly the same answer from each advisor I consult?
Because Ohio State is a complex institution, and because there can be ambiguity in how rules and policies apply in different situations, you may sometimes feel that you have heard different answers to your questions from different advisors. Please do not assume that one advisor is correct and the other is incorrect. Depending on the situation, there may be more than one “right” answer. If you feel you have received conflicting advice, let your advisors know so that they can work together to help you resolve your concerns and issues.
What are my responsibilities to my advisors?
Treat them with courtesy and respect. Consult with them regularly. Take responsibility for your own actions and inaction.
