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Academic Advising Process

Academic advising is a continual and reflective process whereby faculty advisors provide developmental academic support and guidance for students throughout their college career. Academic advisors help students learn responsibility and accountability for their academic progress and success while building a mutual respect and mentoring relationship. Further, academic advisors assist students in developing an educational plan consistent with their values, personal goals, and professional aspirations and expose students to potential academic and co-curricular opportunities.

During a student's first year at IWU, they are assigned to an advisor who is a faculty member in their declared major department, or to a dedicated first-year advisor (outside of the department) specifically trained to advise for the declared major department. Students assigned to a dedicated first-year advisor (outside of the department) will be assigned to a faculty member in their declared major department beginning in their second year of study. Once they are assigned to an advisor in their declared major department, a faculty member in the declared major department will continue to advise them through graduation.

If a student enters IWU as undeclared, they will be assigned to a faculty advisor specifically trained to advise undeclared students. Students who do not have a declared major after their first year may stay with their assigned advisor or may choose to be assigned to the Director of Academic Advising who will assist with the major exploration process. When an undeclared student declares their major, a departmental advisor is assigned at that time. Students at any point in their educational career who are undeclared, or who are contemplating a change in major, are also encouraged to see the Director of Academic Advising.

Students meet with their advisors to discuss a variety of topics including, but not limited to:

  • the benefits of a liberal arts education at IWU;

  • how to be an active member of the IWU campus community;

  • curricular planning;

  • handling the rigors of course work;

  • navigating campus resources; and

  • registration and scheduling courses.

Students must meet with their advisor at least once each semester before registration to obtain their PIN in order to access the registration system. Designated advising periods are scheduled each semester, and can be found on the university calendar.

Students at IWU can use this document to find out who their assigned academic advisor is.

 

Contact information:

Illinois Wesleyan University
Holmes Hall 110
1312 Park Street
Bloomington, IL 61701
309-556-3231 (phone)
309-556-3436 (fax)
advising@iwu.edu