The university expects that all students will benefit from assistance in planning academic programs consistent with their educational goals. Both to help students make their initial adjustment to the academic load at PLU and to provide counsel throughout their academic careers, the university has established a network of faculty and administrative staff advisors as well as an Academic Advising Office.
All
students enrolled in degree programs have advisors whose overall
responsibility is to guide academic progress. Until students have
attained junior standing, they are required to meet with their advisor
(and receive a current Registration Access Code) prior to registering
for an upcoming term. In their work with individual students, advisors
often work closely with and refer students to personnel in a number of
student services offices. At the time of entry, each first-year student
is assigned an academic advisor, usually according to interests
expressed by the student.
Students
who wish to explore the general curriculum before choosing a major
program are assigned to professional advisors in
the Academic Advising Office or trained faculty or
administrative staff who will help them to make educational plans
appropriate to their interests and talents. All academic advisors are
supported by educational planning workshops and by resources available
through the Academic Advising Office.
Transfer
students who are ready to declare their major are assigned to a
designated transfer advisor. Transfer
students who wish to explore educational goals are assigned an academic
advisor in the Academic Advising Office.
Progress
toward general university requirements can be accessed by the student
and the advisor online via the Curriculum, Advising, Program Planning
(CAPP) report available on Banner Web. In addition, advisors receive an
advising file for each student they advise.
Major Advisors
Upon formal declaration of a major, students are assigned faculty major advisors within the major department, which in many cases will replace the current academic advisor. Major advisors guide students' progress toward their chosen degree goals. Students are always welcome to see a professional academic advisor in the Academic Advising Office in addition to their major advisor. Students and advisors are expected to meet regularly, though the actual number of meetings will vary according to individual needs. Students are responsible for meeting with their advisor who serves as an academic guide as students make choices and determine their educational goals.