Prepare for your Advisor Meeting
While your Zoology advisor can provide guidance in many areas, it is
imperative that you take an active role in this process. To get the most out of your 30 minute scheduled appointment, make some preparations:
- Retain, maintain and update an advising file. Keeping copies of documentation will benefit both parties. Bring your advising file to every advising meeting. Keep notes of meetings (especially key dates) to remind you what was discussed.
- Be assertive in asking questions or discussing concerns.
- Bring a written list of questions or issues to each meeting. Advisors cannot fully answer questions that are not asked!
Here is a partial list of topics students often discuss with their academic advisors:
- Are there issues or concerns affecting your academic performance? What campus resources could help you address such problems?
- Share information about your academic and career goals. Discuss starting your research into possible careers.
- Current semester courses and performance in coursework
- Plan future semester courses - including summer
- Review University, College and Department / Major requirements (it is your responsibility to be sure these are all met, but your advisor can help you sort these out.)
- Extracurricular activities (what is available? how to balance with studies, work, family? leadership opportunities? volunteering?)
- Work experience to help you attain your career goals (internships? volunteer? research experience?)
- Plan for Study Abroad.
- Long term planning towards graduate school (timeline; where to get help about applying; specific required / recommended courses; taking graduate / professional school entrance exams.)
- Other questions/issues specific to you!