Advising By Year
Each newly admitted student is assigned to a full time professional advisor in the Arts and Sciences Advising Center. This advisor helps the student make his or her academic career a success. Academic advising includes a three-step process per term in the following order:
- A group session to learn about important dates and deadlines, University and Arts and Sciences resources, and to schedule one-on-one advising appointments;
- An individual advising appointment to discuss academic performance and progress toward academic, career, and life goals, and to schedule the student's registration appointment; and
- An individual registration appointment to discuss classes and enroll for the following term. Student registration forms must be signed by an academic advisor.
While Arts and Sciences advisors assist students every way they can, students have the responsibility to make their academic career worthwhile by learning as much about the process as possible and taking charge of their education in the following ways:
- Read the Arts and Sciences Student Handbook for critical information about requirements, procedures, and policies. Visit Advising for additional information.
- Attend Advising group sessions at the beginning of each term.
- Come to individual advising appointments on time and be prepared to discuss long-term and short-term goals, as well as concerns and ideas about academic progress. Ask questions and discuss any issues or concerns.
- Come to individual registration appointments with a tentative schedule of classes and alternate course selections. Check course availability before the appointment and communicate—ask questions about course selections and scheduling.
- Follow through on all of the advice that the academic advisor offers.
Freshmen
Advisors are here to help you discover the University community. Learning about Arts and Sciences policies, procedures, services, programs, and resources is important to your success. During your first year, work with your academic advisor to answer the following questions: Why am I here? Where am I going with my academic career? How can I connect with faculty? In short, find a niche, connect with people and resources, and set yourself on a successful path.
Preparing for your PittStart Session
Transfers
Information and advice for transfer students.
Sophomores
In your sophomore year, you will explore and narrow your choices and decide upon an academic focus/major. Your advisor is there to assist you in your explorations. Ask your advisor how to develop mentoring relationships with faculty, and how to explore different areas of interest that will help you make the appropriate choice of majors.
Juniors
Once you declare a major, you will be advised by a faculty member or full-time, professional advisor in your department. Meet with your advisor to be sure that you are completing all requirements for graduation, and taking advantage of everything Pitt has to offer, such as study abroad and internships.
Seniors
Meet with your advisor and review everything you need to do in order to graduate. Develop a plan to succeed in your field, speak with your advisor about ways to prepare for your future, and look for enriching experiences that help you compete, whether your next step is a career or graduate school. All students need to have a 2.0 in their major in order to graduate. And remember, graduation is not automatic! Make sure to stop by Student Records in 140 Thackeray Hall to apply for graduation.
