Advising 101: A guide to academic success for freshmen and transfers

Before new students meet their roommates, buy their textbooks and attend their first classes, they've already started planning their academic careers at WWU.

Summerstart and Transitions sessions include meetings with advisors and time to register for fall's classes. Students who didn't attend Summerstart or Transitions will attend and advising and registration session during Fall Orientation on Sept. 19.

After students have received orientation advising, they should rely on advisors in the Academic Advising Center or Student Outreach Services for support. Advisors in these offices can explain university policies, help students with course selection and can help students with academic difficulties.

Advising at Western is a shared responsibility so students are expected to take the initiative to get help when they need it. Tina Loudon, director of the Academic Advising and Career Services Center points out that students who utilize the advising services available get the most out of their education.

Staff from the Academic Advising Center are available to new freshmen wanting help before they pick their winter quarter classes. New students also can turn to the Advising Center to explore majors, learn more about their own interests and strengths and track their progress to a degree.

The Advising Center is part of Academic and Career Development Services, a department which also includes the Career Services Center, so staff encourage students to explore their career options while they're deciding on a major.