Understanding your advising team

Before you are admitted to your major, you will work primarily with a college academic adviser based in the CSE Student Services office in Lind Hall. The adviser will help you navigate the transition to college, explore majors, plan your courses, understand university and college policies, and get connected to resources and opportunities that support your success.

Upon admission to your major, your advising support will expand to include both college-wide and major-specific guidance. The exact configuration of advisors varies by department:

• In some majors, you will continue working with your college academic advisor and gain a faculty mentor. This mentor provides guidance on major requirements, technical electives, and career planning.
• In others, you will transition to a new departmental college advisor, who is based in your major department. This advisor supports both your overall academic experience and your progress toward the major.

Your college advisor (based in CSE Student Services) is your primary advising contact before you're admitted to your major, especially in your first and second years. They can help you:

• Navigate the transition to college.
• Explore majors and choose courses.
• Understand your APAS (degree progress report).
• Navigate university policies and procedures.
• Connect with campus resources like tutoring, career services, and mental health support.
• Build academic skills like time management and study strategies.

They also remain a helpful resource after you're admitted to your major, particularly for questions about:

• Liberal education requirements.
• University or college policies.
• Petitions, forms, and academic standing.
• Referrals to college and campus resources.

In some majors, you’ll transition to a departmental college adviser once you’re admitted to your major. These are professional advisers based in your department who can support you with:

• Major-specific academic planning and course selection
• Understanding technical electives and sub-plans
• Navigating department-specific policies and processes
• Graduation planning and degree completion

They also provide general advising support, so you can come to them with questions about policies, petitions, and broader campus resources, just like you did with your college adviser.

Once students enter their major, they also have support from faculty and departmental staff. They can help students:

• Explore research, internships, and graduate school
• Choose technical electives aligned with their goals
• Submit major-specific petitions or requests
• Get involved in student groups or department activities
• Learn about career paths in their field