Academic Advising

For many students, college is a myriad of new faces, policies and services.  How do you know what rules apply to you, and at what times?  How do you know when to apply for graduation, or who to turn to for help?  How do you know what classes lead to what degrees?  How can you avoid embarrassing or costly mistakes? 

The answer can be summed up in one word: Advisor.  Your academic advisor is a staff or faculty member appointed by the college to help you through all stages of your educational career.  At first, your advisor will help you learn the college lingo, navigate the sometimes complex college registration processes, and assist you in selecting your courses.  Over time, you will turn to your advisor for help resolving conflicts, obtaining funding and setting career goals.  Your advisor is someone who is there for you.  Make an appointment to visit with your advisor early, and check back with that person on a regular basis.

To make an advising appointment, contact the Advising Center at (800) 478-6653 or (907) 747-6653.  Advising may be conducted in person for local students, or by phone or email for distance students, and is available during the evening as well as during the day.

For many distance delivered academic programs (for instance Human Services Technology and Business Administration), you will actually have two advisors.  Your staff advisor will be located in Sitka, while your faculty advisor will be located in another community (for instance Fairbanks or Juneau).  If in doubt as to whom to contact, start with your staff advisor. He or she will put you in touch with the right person.
 
 


ADVISING CENTER
CONTACT
INFORMATION

Phone:
(907) 747-6653
(800) 478-6653
Fax:
(907) 747-7793
(800) 478-3552
 

ADVISING CENTER
STAFF

Tim Schroeder
Coordinator of 
Student Services
Phone Ext. 703

 

Mollie Kabler
Advising Assistant 
Phone Ext. 705

 

Marie Wichman
Admissions
Assistant
Phone Ext.: 707

   

YOUR FIRST ADVISING VISIT

In case that first visit with your advisor seems a bit overwhelming, the following checklist will provide you with a good idea of what information you and your advisor will discuss.

1.  Goals.  What are your educational goals?  What professions or academic areas would you like to explore?  How might UAS be of service to you as you prepare for your future?

2.  College Preparation.  How comfortable are you with starting your education?  Are there specific fears or uncertainties your advisor can assist in overcoming?  Will you be attending school full-time (12 or more credits, usually 4-5 courses) or part-time?  Will you be attending in Sitka, or from a distance?  What other time commitments will you have during the semester?

3.  Placement Exams.  If you will be taking an English course or a Math course, you will need to take a placement exam to assist in selecting the right class for you.  You don't want to take a class too advanced, nor one too basic.  For placement exam information, click here.

4.  Admissions.  If you will be working towards a degree or seeking financial aid, you will need to complete the admissions process.  Your advisor will walk you through the process.  Click here for more information on admissions.

5.  Financial Aid.  Many students finance their education through federal, state or private financial aid sources.  The paperwork for these funds can be lengthy and intimidating.  Your advisor will help you understand the regulations and procedures involved.  Click here for more information on financial aid.

6.  Course Selection.  So now comes the fun part -- the reason you are attending school in the first place.  Each semester, UAS publishes a list of college courses called a Semester Schedule.  These schedules are available at the front counter, on the web, and can by sent to you by mail or fax. Before your advising appointment, take a few minutes to review the courses listed in the schedule.  Highlight the courses you think you "should" take, and then highlight the courses that look fun to you. 

Each semester you should take at least one course which fuels your imagination; which provides the spark of enjoyment to help you through other courses you do not feel quite so happy about taking.  When you meet with your advisor, you will review these courses and begin putting them together to form a degree.  You may do this during your first visit, or you may select courses during a subsequent visit after completing admissions processes and placement exams.

7.  Registration.  When everything is ready to go, your advisor will assist you in registering for courses.  Registration is the process of signing up and paying for a specific set of classes.

8.  Payment.  Most students pay for their courses at the time of registration, or they use financial aid to fund courses. However, payment plans are available.  Your advisor will discuss your options with you and assist you in completing the appropriate paperwork.

9.  Check-ups.  Now you've started!  And if you are new to college, that first week can be a bit of a shock.  There is so much information to learn in so little time.  Don't worry.  You're not alone.  If you need help, go back and visit with your advisor.  They will have useful advice on how to handle the load.  After that, check back with your advisor on a regular basis.  You can never have too much contact with the one person most empowered to help you succeed!


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