Your Advisor

Your Academic advisor is here to assist you with achieving educational and distance learning goals through an interactive advising and educational partnership. Your advisor may be a faculty member in your major or a full-time staff advisor. Together, you will develop a plan of study based on your prior preparation and objectives. You may also have one or more “secondary advisors,” individuals that assist you above and beyond your primary Academic advisor.

You are encouraged to see your Academic advisor early in the semester to plan a course of study that will help meet your interests and goals. Contact your advisor more frequently when receiving an unsatisfactory grade report, disciplinary action is pending, or you are experiencing difficulties that are interfering with your academic progress.

Benefits Of Advising

• As a result of Academic Advising, you will be able to:
• Access and navigate the University online resources and processes
• Develop an educational plan that leads to the timely completion of your educational goals
• Access University academic and student support services and resources
• Follow academic and administrative policies and procedures
• Develop the critical thinking and independent decision-making skills to make and accept responsibility for academic decisions
• Evaluate personal interests and abilities leading to the creation of realistic academic and professional goals
• Discover and integrate co- and extra-curricular activities and programs that enhance your collegiate experience

Finding Your Advisor

Your assigned advisor(s) should be listed on your General Student Record. If your record does not list an advisor, or you are having difficulty reaching or communicating with your advisor, contact the department of your major (undeclared students or those pursuing a Bachelor's of General Studies should see an advisor in the Student Success Center. To find your advisor(s):

1. Log into Lionet
2. Click on “Student Menu"
3. Click on “Student Records”
4. Click on “View Student Information”

• Students with a Declared Major or Pre-Major are advised by an academic advisor in the department of their major/pre-major or in their School.
• If your department has not yet assigned advisors, contact the department for guidance or seek assistance from the Student Success Center.
• Students with more than one major are advised by assigned advisors in each academic department or School.
• Students who have not declared a major are assigned an advisor in the Student Success Center.

Advisee's Responsibilities

• While the Academic advisor is there to help, you must also accept the following responsibilities:
• Be proactive and seek help and advice early in semester
• Understand role of academic advisor (full-time professional and/or faculty)
• Know how to contact your advisor(s)
• Become familiar with requirements for your major, minor, general education, and graduation
• Update your student record when necessary (e.g., change of address, phone number, etc.) using Banner Self-Service
• Know your current grade point average, enrolled credits, and earned credit hours
• Follow dates and deadlines on the academic calendar (add/drop, withdrawal, and graduation)
• Frequently check your mssu.edu email for official communication from the University
• Know that advisors are helpful and available during non-enrollment periods
• Schedule and arrive on time for appointments with your advisor
• Prepare questions and a course schedule before meeting with your advisor
• Make notes and keep all paperwork and forms from advising sessions
• Be familiar with and utilize the Undergraduate Catalog for academic policies, procedures, course descriptions, and requirements

Questions For Your Advisor

• Once you have familiarized yourself with requirements for your major, minor, general education and graduation by browsing this site and the Undergraduate Catalog, ask specific questions that will help to clarify such requirements.
• If you are double-majoring or have a minor, be sure to gain clarity on what courses may count for more than one major/minor, if at all.
• If you are undeclared, ask for suggestions about ways to explore possible fields of study.
• Review your full academic plan from the time you enter until you plan to graduate so you can keep on track, completing coursework in an efficient manner.
• Discuss your academic progress since the last visit with your advisor and your plans until the next visit.
• Ask for suggestions for academic support if you are struggling in one or more courses.
• Ask for suggestions for academic enrichment such as undergraduate research, internships and experiential learning.
• Complete, in advance of the meeting, any required paperwork, as requested by your advisor(s).