Advising at ADU

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What is academic advising?

Academic advising is a relationship in which an advisor helps you select, plan, and complete your academic goals in a friendly and helpful atmosphere.  You will want to work closely with your advisor to plan your graduation so you will take courses in their proper sequence to meet the graduation requirements for your degree program.

How should I make an appointment with my advisor?

You can visit your advisor during the office hours that are posted on their doors.  Whenever possible, call to make an appointment rather than dropping in without one.  This will allow your advisor to prepare for your visit before you arrive.

How can I make best use of my advisor?

An advisor can be helpful only if you take the initiative to use his/her skills. Here are some things you should do:

• Keep current on academic policies, procedures, and requirements by reviewing the current Undergraduate/Postgraduate Catalog.
• Take the initiative to contact your advisor during office hours.  It may take more than one attempt before you connect.  Schedule appointments ahead of time.
• Record important information for future reference.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns before each meeting with your advisor.  Have a tentative written schedule prepared.
• Ask questions!  If you don't understand a policy or procedure, ask questions until you do understand.
• Make decisions.  Your advisor will present you with options, but you must make the decisions for your future.
• Know the academic calendar.  Know when to register and drop classes.  Set up appointments with your advisor well in advance of these deadlines.
• Consult your advisor and discuss with him/her any matter that arises including major exploration, career planning and educational development.

Some things you shouldn’t do:

• Wait until registration periods to see your advisor.
• Assume your academic advisor will automatically tell you everything you need to know.
• Miss deadlines.

Review your transcript.  It is important to review your transcript and ensure that it’s correct and up-to-date at the beginning and end of every semester for the following information:

• Are your transfer credits posted if any?
• Are you registered for the correct classes?
• Are your grades correct?
• When should I visit my academic advisor?

It is important that in the advising phase prior to second semester registration you meet with your academic advisor to plan/update your graduation plan.  You may want to visit him/her during the semester to discuss any of the following issues:

• To change or declare a Major
• To get advise and assistance
• To review your course selection
• To clarify an academic policy or requirement
• To seek help when you begin to experience academic difficulty
• To get up-to-date information

Why do I need an academic advisor?

advisors guide you in formulating your graduation plans and help you to translate your goals, interests, and career aspirations into an effective education and strategize about how to get out of academic trouble.

How do I get academic advisor?

Please see advisees distribution.

How can I know my advisor?

If you don’t know your advisor, you can log on to the registration system where you can see the advisor name.

When should I meet with my advisor?

You will want to meet with your advisor regularly to discuss issues in your education, Major changes, Minors, etc…. But it’s very important to make at least one visit before the registration to plan ahead for your courses.

What should I do before I go to see my academic advisor?

Be knowledgeable about the curriculum you are majoring in and the policies and procedures.  Prepare questions that you have on the courses, policies and procedures and share with your advisor any doubts that you have.  Consult him/her on your educational issues.

How many credits do I need to be a Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior?

Freshman status requires 0-29 credits
Sophomore status requires 30-59 credits
Junior status requires 60-89 credits
Senior status requires 90 and above credits

What Majors and Minors are available?

A list of Majors and minors appears in the Undergraduate/Postgraduate Catalog and in the Advising website in ADU portal.  Note that Minor offerings in each campus is the same as the Majors offered.  For example in AA those Minors IST, ENGLISH (Female only) and BA are offered.

When should I declare my Major?

Many students are undecided about Majors when they enroll in the university.  Students have to decide about their Major when they are near to finish the 14 University Requirement courses, as later they should start taking courses from their Major.

What are the requirements to enroll in the Arts and Science college Majors?

You should complete a minimum of 24 semester credit hours of university requirements with a GPA of at least 2.0 (or have transferred in 24 semester credit hours of university requirements).

What are the requirements to enroll in the Business Administration college Majors?

You should complete a minimum of 24 semester credit hours of university requirements with a GPA of at least 2.0 (or have transferred in 24 semester credit hours of university requirements) and complete the following courses with a grade of at least 2.0: ITE 100, ENG 105, STT 100, PSY 201.

What are the requirements to enroll in the Engineering and Computer Science college Majors?

You should complete a minimum of 24 semester credit hours of university requirements with a GPA of at least 2.25 (or have transferred in 24 semester credit hours of University Requirement courses) and complete the following courses with a grade of at least 2.0 : ITE 100, ENG 105, MTT 101.

How do I choose a Major?

Visit your academic advisor and explore with him/her your interests and future career.  Check the student catalog and the advising website and explore all the Majors and the courses offered in each.  Ask yourself: What are my interests? What classes have I enjoyed from the University Requirements?

Do I have to complete a Minor?

No. Minors are optional, but are strongly encouraged.  Minors require you to take 6 courses, i.e. 18 credits.  In some Majors, the curriculum lists 6 elective courses; students can choose to make a Minor instead of taking 6 elective courses from different departments.

What are the requirements for a Minor?
ADU students will have to apply to the Office of the Registrar for permission to add a Minor.  Permission to add, change or modify a Minor will require the signatures both of the Registrar and the appropriate Dean.

Can I take free elective courses from any Major in the university?

Yes, as long you satisfy the prerequisite/s. 

Note that, from the BEd Field Teaching (Arabic Language and Islamic Studies) curriculum, only 2 of the following courses can be taken: