Academic Advising
The academic advising process is a collaboration between the academic advisor and the student. During each semester’s academic advising meetings (pre-registration), the advisors and their students select academic courses based upon their declared major course curriculum. Students who have not declared a major are also provided with opportunities to explore their career interests, degree program options, and career possibilities.
Six full-time professional advisors will assist students with course selections and scheduling. In addition to teaching the First-Year Experience Courses (ORI 101/102), advisors will monitor and maintain student records and prepare them for transfer to the four degree-granting colleges.
The Office of Academic Advising is one of the units that makes up the Freshman Academy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is my Academic Advisor?
One advisor is assigned to each college. If you have declared your major, you can determine who your advisor is from the Meet the Advisors page.
Two advisors are assigned to undeclared majors and to students in the Academic Recovery Program. Such students with last names starting with A-M will be assigned to Janet Jones; N-Z will be assigned to Veronica Booker. See the Academic Recovery and Meet the Advisors pages linked above for more info.
Back to Top - How do I schedule an appointment to see my advisor?
This is normally done through GradesFirst. From your GradesFirst home screen, click the blue "Schedule an Advising Appointment" button in the upper right. (See also the GradesFirst Guide for Students.)
Back to Top - How do I access my Self-Service Banner account?
The link to log into Self-Service Banner (SSB) is here. You will need your A-Number and SSB PIN.
If you are having trouble logging in, the ITS information page pertaining to SSB may be of some help, or call the ITS HelpDesk at 256-372-HELP (4357).
Back to Top - How do I declare/change my major (or minor)?
This is done through the Major/Minor/Concentration Declaration or Change Form from the Registrar's Office.
Back to Top - How do I sign up for tutoring?
This is normally done through GradesFirst. From your GradesFirst home screen, click the blue "Schedule a Tutoring Appointment" button in the upper right. Tutoring and supplemental instruction are managed by TAN, the Tutorial Assistance Network. (See also the GradesFirst Guide for Students.)
Back to Top - How do I find the curriculum for my major?
Undergraduate Students: check out the Undergrad Bulletins.
Graduate Students: check out the Grad Catalogs.
Back to Top - How do I make a request to take "transient" courses at another institution?
This is handled through the Transient Student form from the Registrar's Office.
Back to Top - How do I request an official copy of my academic transcript?
The Registrar's Office Transcript page has information on how to order official transcripts.
(As a reminder, unofficial transcripts can always be printed from SSB.)
Back to Top - How do I cancel my current class registration?
This is done with the Cancellation of Registration form which must be requested in-person from the Registrar's Office. Further instructions at the above link.
Back to Top - How do I officially withdraw from the University?
This is done with the Withdrawal Clearance form which must be requested in-person from the Registrar's Office. Further instructions at the above link.
Back to Top - I've been placed on Academic Probation or given an Academic Warning. What now?
We will do all we can to help you stay in school. The Academic Recovery Program is your next step.
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