Advising Information for Students

Throughout your time as a student, you will engage with different academic advisors.

• Summer advisor: during the summer of your entering year your summer advisor will begin to discuss your academic and career interests and get to know you on a more personal level in order to help you select your first semester courses.
• First Year advisor: all First Year students are assigned an academic advisor based upon your assignment to a First Year Seminar. All students enter Muhlenberg College without a declared major. You will remain with your FY advisor until you declare a major.
• Major advisor: once you formally declare a major you will be transferred to a faculty member in the department or program of interest. If you are a double major you will have two advisors. Advisor assignment varies by department/program. In some instances you may be able to choose your advisor, in other instances you will be assigned based upon advisor workload. You must meet with your major advisor(s), at minimum, prior to registration for the upcoming semester.
• Minor advisor: if you formally declare a minor you will also be assigned a minor advisor. While you are not required to meet with your minor advisor prior to registration, it is strongly recommended that you do so in order to ensure that you are making satisfactory progress towards the minor.
• Professional/career advisor: if you plan to enter medical school or law school we also have pre-professional advisors who will meet with you to discuss your career plans and make recommendations about appropriate courses for your intended career.

Academic advising is a two way relationship that requires your active engagement. As a student you are responsible for:

• Taking the time to reflect on your personal values, educational, career and life aspirations and engage your advisor in conversation about how to engage in our community in ways that maximize your opportunities to achieve your goals.
• Providing your advisor(s) with information about any changes to your academic plans or career goals.
• Understanding graduation requirements and asking your advisor for clarification about policies and the curriculum.
• Being aware of academic policies or knowing where to find information about academic policies.
• Exploring all of the resources available to you on campus including those available through the Academic Resource Center, Career Services, Digital Technology Learning Team, Trexler Library and the Writing Center.
• Knowing how to use Workday Student to manage your courses, family permissions and your progress towards graduation.

Academic advising is a two way relationship that requires your active engagement. As a student you are responsible for:

• Scheduling an appointment with your advisor and be on time for your scheduled appointment.
• Be prepared to speak with your advisor about any concerns that you may have regarding current and future courses.
• Ask your advisor about any prerequisite courses for your program and how they might affect your course sequence.
• Prior to registration, be prepared to discuss course selection and have courses in mind that you would like to take in the upcoming semester. Choose alternative courses before your appointment in case your preferred courses are not available at the time of your registration.
• Know what General Academic Requirements and major/minor requirements are still needed for you to complete your degree.
• Ask questions regarding policies and procedures that are unclear to you.

There are many college resources to assist you as you make connections between your educational aspirations and your life and career goals. This Referral Guide provides a list of offices to support you.

View Referral Guide