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Academic Advising

Academic Advisors support undergraduate students in fulfilling Xavier's mission to form students intellectually, morally, and spiritually by helping them pursue educational plans and programs which lead towards a major, minor or degree requirements and to be academically successful individuals.

Advisors ensure that every undergraduate student in the four colleges has an academic advisor and understands:

  • Academic policies
  • Registration procedures
  • Core curriculum requirements
  • Requirements in individual majors

  • Provide students accurate information about University policies, programs, curriculum requirements - changes, priority registration and registration procedures.

  • Help students select courses each semester which are appropriate and/or required.

  • Introduce students to diverse majors and/or career opportunities.

  • Acquaint students with the resources and opportunities on campus and encourage participation.

  • Monitor students' academic performance during the academic year and recommend, if necessary, strategies to improve weaknesses and enhance strengths.

  • Make proper referrals when necessary (e.g. deans, department chairs, directors, Health and Wellness Center, Psychological Services, Career Development Office, Campus Ministry, Disability Services).

  • Consult with the advisor, in a timely manner, when necessary, and at a minimum, once a semester.

  • Make appointments for advising sessions during regularly agreed upon office hours. Notify the advisor or someone in the advisor's office if it is not possible to keep an appointment.

  • Be prepared for appointments during priority registration and/or registration: have the necessary forms, review the online Schedule of Classes, have ideas of courses and alternates for the next semester.

  • Clarify some personal values and goals in advance of the session and be prepared to discuss them with their advisor.

  • Follow through with appropriate action after an advising session (e.g. Dean's Office, Registrar's Office, Career Services Center, etc.)

  • Know important dates for each semester: last day to change, drop, or add classes; graduation application deadline.

  • Claim responsibility and accountability for your actions and decisions.

Note: While advisors are available for guidance, students are ultimately responsible for satisfying all degree requirements as spelled out in the online University catalog under which they entered.

Deciding upon a Major and/or a Career Path can be challenging. A variety of advisors and offices are available to assist you on this journey. The following are suggestions for creating your own path to a Major and/or a Career..

  • Begin identifying your values, interests, and skills
  • Explore various academic disciplines as areas of study
  • Connect with practice oriented experiences that help you gain the skills and confidence in a work environment, like an on campus job, internship, etc.
  • Find a Mentor with professionals in a field of interest

For more information and resources, visit:

Academic Advising:

Career Development Office:

 

To make a change (switch/add/drop) to your major, please follow the instructions below:

For College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) For College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) majors and minors (and interdisciplinary majors and minors), please start the change process at the CAS website.

For College of Professional Sciences (CPS) majors and minors, please contact the new department of the major or minor. They will contact the Associate Dean's office in CPS to begin the process.

For Williams College of Business (WCB) majors and minors, please contact the office of Ms. Cindy Stockwell, Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Programs in Smith Hall 120.

If you would like more information on particular majors/minors, please contact the appropriate academic department.