A little preparation turns a short appointment into a real plan. You do not need to have everything figured out. Bring what you know, what you are wondering about, and what you want to accomplish, and your academic advisor will help with the rest.
Get the Most From Your Appointment
A Shared Partnership
Academic advising works best when you and your academic advisor are both involved.
What You Bring To The Partnership
Come prepared with goals and questions. Review your degree progress, take an active role in your decisions, follow through on your next steps, and ask for help when you need it. Your voice matters in every decision.
What Your Academic Advisor Brings
Your academic advisor provides clear, accurate information about your degree and university policies, helps you build and adjust your plan, and connects you with campus resources and opportunities. They are here to guide, support, and empower you.
What You Do Together
You and your academic advisor track your progress and adjust your plan as things change. That can include reviewing your degree audit, talking about your goals, and connecting you to support when challenges come up.
Before Your Appointment
A few minutes of preparation go a long way.
Know + Schedule
Know Who Your Academic Advisor Is
Your academic advisor is listed in NavigateTXST under your Student Success Team. If an academic advising center is listed instead, contact your center to schedule your appointment.
Goals
Decide What You Want From The Visit
Think about what brings you in. Choosing courses, changing majors, feeling behind in a class, and planning to graduate are all good reasons. Write down your top 1 to 3 goals so you can lead with them.
Review
Check Your Degree Progress and Requirements
Use your Degree Audit and Undergraduate Catalog to see what you have completed and what you still need. Use your Major Map to explore experiences that connect to your goals.
Plan
Draft A Plan To Talk Through
Look at courses you might take and sketch a plan, even if it is not final. Your academic advisor can help you compare options and adjust your plan to fit your goals.
Ask
Write Down Your Questions
Jot down questions as they come up, even small ones. A list helps you make the most of your time together and keeps you from forgetting what matters most to you.
Ready
Get Set For Your Appointment
Your confirmation email includes your Zoom link or meeting location, so check it ahead of time. Plan to take notes on your phone, laptop, or paper so you can follow through on your next steps.
What To Talk About
Not sure what to bring up? Start with the situation that sounds most like yours.
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I'm planning my courses for next semester.
Your academic advisor can help you choose courses that fit your degree requirements, your schedule, and your goals.
Before you meet:
- Review your Degree Audit and note the requirements you still need.
- Look at the courses you are considering and write down any questions about them.
- Think about your workload, including work, family, and other commitments.
Questions you might ask:
- Which requirements should I take first?
- How many courses is a realistic load for me?
- Are there courses I should take in a certain order?
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I'm thinking about changing my major, or I'm undecided.
Exploring your options is a normal and valuable part of college.
If the major you are considering is within your current college, schedule an appointment with your current center.
If the major you are considering is outside of your current college, schedule an appointment with the center responsible for that major.
Need some advice or guidance? Our Exploratory Academic Advisors will help you make sense of academic requirements and guide you through exploring majors and career paths that fit your future goals.
Before you meet:
- Make a list of subjects, classes, or activities you have enjoyed and what you liked about them.
- Write down the majors you are curious about, even if you are unsure.
- Note any concerns, such as how a change might affect your progress toward a degree.
Questions you might ask:
- What could I do with this major?
- How would changing majors affect my progress?
- What courses could I take to test out an interest?
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I'm having a hard time in a class.
Reaching out early gives you more options. Your academic advisor can talk through what is happening and connect you with resources at Texas State.
Before you meet:
- Think about what is making the class difficult, such as the material, your schedule, or things outside of class.
- Note the course, your instructor, and how you are doing so far.
- Consider what support you have already tried.
Questions you might ask:
- What are my options for this class?
- Who can I talk to for extra support?
- How might this affect my plans for next semester?
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I want to make sure I'm on track to graduate.
A graduation check-in helps you spot gaps before they become surprises.
Before you meet:
- Review your Degree Audit for the requirements you have left.
- Note anything that looks incorrect or unclear.
- Think about your timeline, including when you hope to graduate.
Questions you might ask:
- What do I still need to complete?
- Is my timeline realistic?
- What should I be doing this semester to stay on track?
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I want to get more out of college beyond my classes.
Your academic advisor can talk with you about major and career exploration, hands-on learning, getting involved on campus, and planning for what comes after graduation. If another office can help you better, your academic advisor will connect you.
Before you meet:
- Think about what you want your college experience to include, such as internships, research, organizations, or leadership.
- Look at your Major Map for experiences connected to your major and goals.
- Note any questions about how your plans fit with your degree timeline.
Questions you might ask:
- What experiences would help me explore careers in this field?
- How can I get involved on campus?
- Who can I talk to about what comes after graduation?
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I'm not sure what to talk about.
That is completely okay! You can start with something as simple as "I'm not sure where to begin," and your academic advisor can take it from there. It can help to share how your semester is going, what you are excited about, and what feels uncertain.
Questions you might ask:
- What should I be thinking about at this point in my degree?
- What resources should I know about?
Appointment Basics
A few practical things that help your appointment go smoothly.
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When should I schedule?
Schedule as early as you can, especially before your registration date if you are planning courses. Times fill up as registration gets closer, and scheduling early gives you more choices. Check the Academic Calendar and your Time Ticket each semester for important dates.
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What if I cannot make my appointment?
Let your academic advisor or academic advising center know as soon as you can, and reschedule. Freeing up your time lets another student meet with an academic advisor.
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What should I have ready for a Zoom appointment?
Check your confirmation email for your Zoom link, then join from a quiet space with a reliable internet connection. Have your camera and audio ready, and keep your notes and questions nearby.
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What if I am running late?
Contact your academic advisor or academic advising center right away so they can let you know your options.
After Your Appointment
The steps you take next help turn your plan into progress.
Follow Through On Your Next Steps
Review your notes and your advising summary in NavigateTXST, then start on what you agreed to do. Add deadlines to your calendar so nothing slips by.
Reach Out If Something Changes
If your plans shift or new questions come up, message your academic advisor in NavigateTXST or contact your academic advising center. You do not need to wait until your next appointment to ask for help.
Plan Your Next Appointment
Plan to meet with your academic advisor each semester. Scheduling before your semester gets busy gives you more choices of times that work for you.