Student support

Advising

How can an academic advisor help me?

An academic advisor can support you in many aspects of your academic journey, including:

  • Program planning by helping you explore options and opportunities that align with your academic and career goals.
  • Final program checks for students entering their final term, to ensure all requirements for graduation are being met.
  • Identifying barriers to success, recommending strategies, and connecting you with appropriate resources or support services.
  • Explaining academic policies, procedures, and requirements, and providing interpretation, rationale, or advocacy when needed.

When should I seek help from an advisor?

We encourage you to connect with an advisor at your campus advising office before beginning your studies at the University of Lethbridge. After that, plan to meet with an advisor at least once each academic year—and ideally well before the start of each term.

You should also reach out to an advisor if you’re facing challenges, have questions, or are unable to confidently answer the following 10 questions:

  1. What is my faculty or school?
  2. What is my calendar year?
  3. What is my program?
  4. What is my major? minor? concentration?
  5. What is a Program Planning Guide (PPG) and where do I get one?
  6. What is a Lib Ed Requirement?
  7. What are prerequisites and corequisites and where can I find out what they are?
  8. Where do I find important dates and deadlines?
  9. What is my year standing?
  10. What are four ways to enhance my degree?

How can I make the most of academic advising?

One of the most rewarding aspects of university is the opportunity to choose courses that genuinely interest you. Before meeting with an advisor, take time to explore and identify classes that resonate with your personal and academic goals. You can also follow the steps below to make the most of your advising sessions.

While it is your responsibility to take ownership of your course selections, academic decisions, and progress toward graduation, academic advisors are here to support and guide you throughout the process.

PREPARE

Before you meet with an advisor:

  • Review important dates and deadlines.
  • Look over your Program Planning Guide (PPG) and bring a copy to your advising session.
  • Check course prerequisites, corequisites, and Liberal Education Requirement designations.
  • Reflect on your academic and career goals so you can discuss them with your advisor.
  • Write own any questions in advance to ensure you don’t forget to ask them.
ENGAGEDuring your advising session: Your academic advisor can help confirm whether your course selections align with your program and assist with any unexpected challenges. Be sure to share any important information, ask questions to better understand your options, and seek clarification if anything is unclear. Take notes during the session so you can refer to them later.
ACTAfter your advising session: Be sure to review and consult any resources your advisor recommended. Follow up on any decisions made during the session—this may include registering for courses, submitting forms, or meeting additional requirements. Take timely action to implement the steps discussed, and reach out to your advisor if new questions or concerns arise.