Advisors are professional staff or faculty who have been specifically trained to help you with your plans and goals during college and beyond.
At UW-Madison advising is a partnership between you and the network of advisors you build during your time here. Advising is not limited to certain topics or specific months of year. Your advisors are here to introduce you to opportunities and help you make decisions. If you have questions or want support, if you are looking for a sounding board, or if you simply need someone to point you in the right direction, advisors are here for you.
Why See an Advisor?
Here are just a few topics you can chat about with an advisor:
- Setting your academic, career, and life goals
- Getting involved with campus organizations
- Finding an internship
- Talking about your challenges and difficulties
- Connecting with tutors
- Picking a study abroad program
- Connecting majors and careers
- Checking into volunteering opportunities
- Practicing for interviews
- Talking about grad school
- Proofreading resumes and cover letters
- Understanding university policies and deadlines
- Selecting the right courses
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Events & Key Dates
- July
- July 4Independence day (Observed) All day
- August
- August 108-week summer session endsAll day
- August 13
Expectations for You & Your Advisors
Advising is a team effort between you and your advisor. You’ll get the most out of your advising experience if you go into it with the right set of expectations. Do you know what to expect from your advisor, and what’s expected of you?
Expectations for Students
Seek Support. Take the initiative to seek support as often as you need it. It’s up to you to schedule (and attend) your appointments.
Monitor your progress. Become familiar with, and track important deadlines, requirements, and policies that affect you.
Come prepared. You’re in charge of leading your advising appointment. Check your DARS, start to look into your questions, be ready to talk about your goals.
Be honest. Your advisor can only help you if they understand your interests, goals, struggles, and concerns. Be willing to open up.
Follow through. Your advising appointment is only half of what you need to do. To get the most out of your advising experience, you need to follow through on your “homework.”
Take responsibility. Understand that the final decision is always up to you. Your advisor is here as a guide, and will challenge you to make independent decisions, and to set your own goals.
Expectations for Advisors
Be available. Your advisor will be available to you on a regular basis and respond to you in a timely manner.
Clarify information. Your advisor will help you interpret or find answers to university policies, procedures, and requirements.
Stay current. Your advisor will actively stay up to date through professional development opportunities and training.
Provide a supportive environment. Your advisor will be non-judgmental, and keep your information confidential (unless there are special circumstances).
Make suggestions & connections. Your advisor will explain the pros and cons of different options, give you some suggestions, and make referrals to appropriate resources and advising offices.
Help develop independence. Your advisor will challenge you to take initiative, and provide a supportive environment for you to develop your decision making skills.