My role as your advisor takes many forms. Below is a sample of these activities.
Pre-registration
Usually students visit me during the middle of the Fall and Spring semesters for advice about upcoming courses. During these times (called pre-registration), I post a sign-up sheet on my door to deal with heavy student traffic and prevent overlapping meetings. You need to stop by my office and sign up for a time to meet with me. I have 15 minute blocks of time scheduled to meet with you. In terms of advising, it is important for you to keep a few things in mind. First, when you meet with me for advising, I ask that you have your classes pre-selected for the upcoming semester so we can complete your advising session in 15 minutes. If you do not know what courses you would like to take or need some suggestions, you can schedule two 15 minute blocks to review your schedule. It takes a long time to search for sections and choose course times that do not conflict. Second, it is important to remember that, ultimately, you are responsible for completing your curriculum requirements. The faculty are here to help you but we expect you to take an active role in your own education.
Graduate Checks
Graduate checks are another use of advising time. As you get closer to graduation (yippee!), it is important for us to review your coursework together to ensure that you have met all the requirements for the psychology major. Doing a graduate check allows a smooth transition during the hectic last semester of your senior year. In our psychology department we conduct two graduate checks. One check is conducted by your advisor and a second is done with our department chair, Dr. Piroch. We do two checks to ensure that, when you file for graduation status with the Registrar's office, there are no mistakes.
Probationary Students
Sometimes students are put on academic probation for a semester. It is important for these students to meet with me periodically throughout the probationary semester so I can monitor their progress and provide any assistance they may need. Here is the link to CCU's probation and suspension policy:
http://www.coastal.edu/registrar/documents/Probation-Suspension-Policy-2007.pdf
Career Advice and Graduate School
Another way in which you can use advising time is to obtain advice and information regarding your future career and the possibility of continuing your education in graduate school. I may be able to direct you to resources that you may find helpful for your future. For instance, I can help you find possible graduate schools that fit with your future goals.
With the exception of the weeks of pre-registration, you can stop by my office during my office hours or, if these hours conflict with your schedule, set up a time to meet with me that works for both of our schedules.