Academic Advising

Academic advising plays a significant role in the student’s successful completion of Interdisciplinary Studies since each student’s program is as unique and varied as the individual students. As a result, regular consultation with your academic advisor is essential. Use the links below to make an appointment with your advisor:

Your advisor

Discusses your concerns as you prepare and execute your designed academic program/s,
Serves as a source of information about university academic policies and procedures,
Explains clearly the requirements for graduation, and
Provides a resource with whom to discuss and investigate post-graduate options.

Active involvement by students and good academic advising help students feel empowered to make informed decisions about programs and plans.

Essentially, the student takes ownership of their educational experience. Ultimately, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all requirements for the degree are met in order to earn their degree.

All academic advisors in Interdisciplinary Studies are members of the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA): the Global Community for Academic Advising.

Responsibilities of Advisee

Check your WCU email on a regular basis for important communication from the University and from Interdisciplinary Studies.
Meet with your academic advisor at appropriate times, ex. at least one time per semester.
Pay attention to important, relevant deadlines and then meet them.
Complete relevant procedures in a timely fashion (i.e. change of major, addition of minors, course enrollment matters, application for graduation, etc.).
Review university policies and procedures as needed.
Develop and clarify the values and goals that shape your academic decision-making.
Create an academic plan.
Understand the requirements of the major and chosen minors.
Understand the university general education requirements.
Use the WCU undergraduate catalog.
Check your academic record and Degree Progress Report regularly.
Save all academic advising documents.
Pay attention to course prerequisites and sequencing related to your minors.
Value and use the resources available on campus in a timely way.

Academic Advising in the Major

Academic advising for Interdisciplinary Studies begins when students are admitted into the program. We explain the requirements of the program and of graduation from WCU. We work together to complete an advising guide which can incorporate all courses taken to that point, in addition to current courses. For first-year students, we build your first-semester schedule, taking into consideration your placement tests and stated preferences.

We discuss your minor options and your plans, and if you are switching into Interdisciplinary Studies, we will ask you to initiate the Major Change process in your MYWCU.

Each Semester: Students must plan to meet their academic advisor at least once a semester, more often if the student or the advisor sees the need. Ideally, the required meeting should take place several weeks prior to the student’s scheduling date for the upcoming semester. When we meet, we evaluate student’s progress toward degree completion, and review and modify the academic plan if needed, and discuss course selection.

Students should consult their academic advisor any time they have a question or want to address an issue of concern. That consultation may occur over the Zoom, email or office visit.

Academic Advising for the Minors

Students in Interdisciplinary Studies are required to earn at least one academic minor as part of their degree requirement. Minor advisors are assigned once students are accepted into the minor. Often, the department chair will serve in this capacity. Students are responsible for completing all minor requirements. Students who fail to consult with minor advisors are accountable for any mistakes made in pursuing the minor