Academic Advising 101

Making the Most of Academic Advising at UGA

Academic advising is a partnership that supports your academic journey from orientation to graduation. At the University of Georgia, academic advisors are here to help you navigate your academic program of study, explore your interests, set and achieve goals, and connect to valuable campus resources. This page is your guide to understanding what academic advising is, what to expect, and how to get the most out of your experience.

What is Academic Advising?

Academic advising is more than choosing classes—it’s a collaborative relationship that helps you:

Clarify your academic and career goals
Understand your degree requirements and university policies
Plan your coursework strategicallyNavigate challenges and find support
Make informed decisions about opportunities like internships, study abroad, and graduate school

Your academic advisor is a key partner in your success, offering guidance, resources, and a listening ear throughout your time at UGA.

What to Expect from Your Academic Advisor

Your academic advisor will:

Be accessible during standard business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm) and responsive (within 24-48 hours)
Know curriculum, degree requirements, and university policies
Help you clarify and reach your academic and career goals
Partner with you in planning a course schedule that aligns with your goals, interests, and responsibilities
Refer you to campus services and resources when needed
Respect your privacy and share information only with relevant professionals when it directly supports your best interests.
Empower you to take ownership of your decisions

What Advisors Expect from You

To make the most of academic advising, you should:

Schedule your academic advising appointment before your registration date
Attend your academic advising appointment on time
Come prepared with questions and course ideas
Review your DegreeWorks audit and the UGA Bulletin
Be honest about your goals, interests, and any challenges
Follow up on advisor recommendations and referrals
Stay in contact throughout the semester, not just during registration
Take ownership of your academic path and progress

How to Prepare for Your Appointment

Before your academic advising appointment:

Review your DegreeWorks audit
Look up potential classes in Athena
Check your registration eligibility and any holds
Write down questions or concerns
Reflect on how your current degree program and courses are going

During your meeting:

Be open to discussing your academic and career goals
Ask about unique opportunities (internships, study abroad, research)
Talk about accomplishments or obstacles you’re facing and possible resources
Take notes and ask for clarification if anything is unclear

After your appointment:

Register for classes in your plan on your assigned registration date
Follow through on referrals or action steps
Reach out with any follow-up questions
Work with your academic advisor to adjust your plan if needed

Email Etiquette Tips

It is best practice to check your UGA email address often to receive important information. When emailing your academic advisor or other professionals on campus:

Use your UGA email account
Include a clear subject line (e.g., “Course registration question”)
Greet your advisor professionally (e.g., “Hi Dr. Jones”)
Conclude your email with your full name and UGA 81 number (e.g., “Thank you, First Name, Last Name, 81xxxxxxx”)
Be concise, respectful, and specific
Allow 1–2 business days for a response
Avoid texting language or slang

Academic Advising Tools & Resources

SAGE – Schedule advising appointments and view advisor notes
DegreeWorks – Track your progress toward graduation
Athena – Register for classes, view holds and student information
UGA Bulletin – Explore academic programs and course descriptions