Have a Question? Ask an Adviser

One of the most important people you’ll come in contact with as a distance student is your academic adviser. Your adviser is a wonderful source of information when you have questions on topics such as:

One of the most popular questions students ask their adviser is, “What classes should I be taking?” However, the answer to that question can require additional planning that most on-campus students don’t have to worry about. Many distance students are juggling family life that includes young children, a full-time job, volunteer activities and more—all in addition to working on their degree track. This is where an adviser can provide guidance.

Your adviser can help you determine the number of classes you can take within a semester based on the amount of time you have available and time requirements of the classes. They can also provide time management and study tips so you can maximize the hours you do have.

“It’s really important to set a schedule,” said Rachel Schafer, an adviser for General Business and Interdisciplinary Social Science. “Make sure you schedule out the time in your day or in your evening when you’re going to work on your classes. Be in contact with your adviser and your instructors if something comes up. If there’s a family emergency, then we need to know that so we can help.”

When asked what advice she would give to distance students, Beth Stuewe, an adviser for Family Studies and Human Services, said she would encourage her students to be interactive in their classes and spend time talking with their instructors. “Don’t just be a student in the class,” she said. “Be a participant.”

For more information about your role as an advisee, you can visit the Academic Advising website. You can contact your adviser via phone or email, and some advisers even use Skype, FaceTime, chat, social media and text.

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