Making the Mark-Study
Series
ACADEMIC
PLANNING
WILSON CENTER FOR ACADEMIC ADVISING AND
LEARNING ASSISTANCE.
Located directly across from the Chickasaw
building (870) 972-3001
on your mark
100-90. My test-taking skills are on the mark!
80-70. There’s room for improvement.
60-0. Help! It’s time to rethink my plan.
Give yourself 10 points for each checked response
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) I plan to see my advisor before registration begins.
) I am keenly aware of my academic requirements.
) I keep up with my degree plan along with my advisor.
) I visit with my advisor if I have an academic dilemma.
) I am rarely caught off guard by ASU policies.
) I know what classes to take each semester.
) I have a plan for when I graduate.
) I choose classes which will make me most marketable.
) I find my academic experience to be fulfilling.
) I know who to ask when I have specific questions.
DID YOU KNOW? When you graduate, you will
need an academic reference. Besides creating
your schedule, your academic advisor is your best
reference and resource for your academic career.
ON YOUR MARK: Right from the beginning, you are assigned an academic advisor
at ASU. Toward the middle of each fall and spring semester, the registration period begins. This is
the time that you make a formal appointment with your advisor to discuss your enrollment for the
upcoming semester. You are encouraged to visit your advisor well before the registration period
begins. Take the time to introduce yourself and find out a little more about your advisor. Discuss
your degree and the connection to a career. Ask about clubs and organizations related to your
major. Your relationship with your advisor is an adult-to-adult partnership with both members
having responsibilities. You are responsible for completing your degree.
GET SET: Prior to a visit with an advisor, familiarize self with classes needed for degree
completion. To keep yourself on track, decide what questions you want to ask, and write them down in
advance. Make a note of your advisor’s office hours. Plan to schedule appointments in advance,
especially during peek registration times. Bring appropriate materials with you, such as your degree
checklist, to your advising appointment. Take the time to familiarize yourself with Web for Students.
This is your personal online account with ASU. Web for Students will record any holds that you have
that will restrict your registration before you can register. Be sure all registration holds are clear.
GO:
At your advising appointment, show interest in your academic coursework by knowing about
your subjects. Keep in mind that you may see your advisor for many other situations besides simply
creating your schedule. You may want information about internships, study abroad opportunities, or
simply to say “Hi.” You might seek your advisor if you are uncertain about a major/career or interested
in learning more about a program of study. You might also consult your advisor if constructing or
making changes in your schedule. Advisors can help if you are having difficulty in a class or adjusting
to college. Advising is essential if you have been placed on academic warning or suspension.
Advisors can be the best place to find referral resources and information.
ACADEMIC TERMS YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Web for Students – This is your electronic
student account. You can keep up with your ASU
transcript, your billing account and many other
features online.
Digital ID- This is your email account with ASU and
the official means of communication with the
campus. You are expected to check this regularly.
General Education Courses- These are a group of
basic courses which all students take in addition to
the courses required by their major.
Enhancements- These are specific courses in the
General Education curriculum. You will work with
your advisor to make this selection.
Emphasis or Concentration areas-Some majors
require that you choose an emphasis area within the
major. Example: Journalism.
Academic Load – Students can take a maximum of
18 semester hours during the Fall and Spring.
Minor – ASU offers a variety of minors with requirements
ranging from 18 -24 hours. Some degrees require
completion of a minor.
Electives – These are courses in addition to your major
course requirements for a degree.
Grade Recalculation – ASU permits students to retake a
certain number of courses for which a grade of “D” or “F” is
received. Check your bulletin, or ask your advisor about
these details.
Honors Courses – Students eligible by ACT or HS GPA to
take honors courses should investigate this option. The
courses are taught in an investigative, discussion-oriented
manner to provoke critical thinking.
Junior/Senior Hours – Students must earn 45 junior/senior
hours (3000/4000 level courses) after their first 30 earned
hours.
Important Dates – Each semester, students should be
keenly aware of critical deadlines, such as midterms, finals,
last day to drop a course or withdraw from the University.
OTHER TIPS FOR ACADEMIC PLANNING:
 Keep up with all your transcripts. If you attend another campus, ASU must have an official
copy brought to the Registrar’s Office well before you intend to graduate.
 Create and update a degree checklist in addition to the one on file in your advisor’s office.
 Know the ASU bulletin year you plan to graduate under.
 Be keenly aware of your academic standing at the close of each semester. Know the hours
you earned, your semester and cumulative GPA.
 Challenge yourself through your course selection, study abroad, internship opportunities
and other academic experiences. Your transcript can define the person you are.
SEE OUR HANDOUT ON “HOW TO COMPUTE YOUR ASU GPA.”
If you need further assistance in developing an academic plan, please stop by
the Wilson Advising Center. We will be glad to meet with you. Be sure and
look for our other handouts in the “Making the Mark” Study Behaviors Series.
Use of the off the mark cartoon series was granted permitted in writing to the Wilson Advising Center, Fall 2004.