Academic Advising Changes
Have some questions?We're here with you the whole way.
Here's what to expect during your time as a first-year student with your academic advisor. If you have additional questions, reach out to us!
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An update on academic advising
Oklahoma State University is moving to a centralized first-year advising model that will go into effect for fall 2024 incoming students and will ultimately benefit all students. The change is part of the systemwide university strategy, released in the fall of 2022 that has specific goals for retention, enrollment and the student experience.
As part of this transition, University College will become the Office of Student Success.
What this means to current students:
Some current college advisors are choosing to join the Office of Student Success to advise first-year students. Therefore, a small number of students in upper levels may have a new advisor assigned during the transition for fall enrollment. Students who are assigned a new advisor will receive an email to their okstate email address.
The majority of OSU students will remain with their current advisor. Students in the Ferguson College of Agriculture will not be assigned a new advisor.
What this means to first-year students:
Incoming first-year students will be assigned an advisor in the Office of Student Success during Orientation and Enrollment based on their major. After their first year, students in good academic standing will transition to advisors in their academic college. Students who struggle during their freshman year and are on academic notice or probation will stay with Student Success for additional academic support.
Student Success will also have a team of exploratory advisors to help students who haven’t declared a major or who are considering a change. Up to 30% of first-year students change their majors each year. This team will play a crucial role in OSU’s retention efforts with the ability to assist all undergraduate students at any point in their academic journey.
As part of the new model, the university is increasing the numbers of advisors overall, decreasing caseloads for the first-year team and increasing training.
Frequently asked questions
- When do new students meet their advisor?
New students meet their first-year academic advisor during their scheduled orientation and enrollment.
- Where do you find your academic advisor's name and their office location?
You will find your academic advisor on the Slate portal where you can make an appointment.
- How often do you see your advisor? Are there certain times you are required to see
them?
Outside of orientation you are required to meet with your academic advisor at least once a semester to enroll in the next semester's courses. However, we recommend scheduling an advising appointment if you are experiencing any struggles impacting your success.
- Will your advisor help put you in classes?
Each semester you will meet with your academic advisor who will recommend classes for you based on your degree requirements. You will work together to create a plan towards graduation.
- Are you declared to your major?
Yes, if you have chosen a major, you will be declared to that major.
- What happens if you change your major?
You will be declared and stay with your academic advisor who is trained to guide students across multiple majors.
- What if you are interested in two or more majors?
You will work with your first-year academic advisor or an exploratory advisor to discover all of the opportunities available to you.
- If you've taken the math ACT or SAT does that count as your math placement exam?
No, you must still take the Math Placement Exam at OSU. We can't place you in a math course until you have taken OSU's Math Placement Exam. Please see credit by exam or AP questions at this link.
- If you've taken college-level math courses does that count as your math placement
exam?
Completion of an appropriate college-level math course that is posted on a college (not high school) transcript is usually an exception to the Math Placement Exam at OSU. Please see the criteria for the exception at this link.
- Can your academic advisor help you if some classes aren't the right fit for you or
you have other concerns about life at OSU?
Absolutely! Your first-year academic advisor can help you with schedule changes and refer you to the best resources to help you succeed.
- Will you get a new advisor after your first year?You will transition to an academic advisor in your academic college when you successfully complete your first two semesters.