Academic Advising Information

E-Mail an Advisor at: advising@volstate.edu

Academic Advising

Academic advisors are assigned to all students enrolled at Vol State. Academic advisors are committed to helping students meet their educational needs through referrals to other resources of the institution.

Academic Advisors:

• Assist students in planning an educational program consistent with their interest and abilities
• Help you clarify career goals
• Monitor the student's academic progress
• Clarify degree requirements
• Assist with registration process
• Provide information on course substitutions and transfer requirements
• Provide an unofficial graduation audit ("OnCourse") and assist with the graduation application
• Serve as a student advocate

Each semester, you may consult with an academic advisor before registering. However, students are encouraged to meet with their advisors on a regular basis to discuss interest, goals, educational plans, and special needs. Through communication and information exchange with their academic advisor, students engage in the decision-making process to realize their maximum educational potential. It is the students' responsibility to:

• Set personal and professional goals
• Select a program of study
• Fulfill program requirements
• Complete necessary paperwork
• Make their own decisions

You will be assigned an academic advisor according to your major area of study. Advising is a joint responsibility of faculty and student. The advisor’s task is to guide the student toward accepting responsibility for mature academic decision making. An appointment with your advisor will be a time for you to discuss goals, schedule for upcoming semester, and opportunities available to you in your major.

Academic Advising takes place prior to each early registration period and during each official registration period. Currently enrolled students are encouraged to speak with their advisor during the early registration period. Advisors are also available for any new student participating in Orientation and Early Registration.

Advising Center

The Academic Advising Center is located in the Ramer Administration Building Suite 174. Hours of operation are 8:00 am. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Hours of operation on Fridays are from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Students may visit or phone (615) 230-3702. No appointment is necessary.

The Advising Center is available to serve the advising needs of the Non-Degree-Seeking and Undeclared student. Students with declared majors will be assigned to advisors in the academic divisions.

Other functions of the Advising Center are:

• Transfer information and transfer equivalencies
• Signatures and approvals in the absence of advisors
• Information for students considering a change in major