Spring registration is just around the corner, but many University of Memphis students still have not been cleared by an advisor to schedule their classes.
In order to register on Nov. 8, the University requires students to be advised by a professor in their chosen department or college. Students can find out who their advisor is by looking at The University of Memphis Web site under "Academic Advising." Advisors recommend scheduling the appointment as soon as possible.
"In tighter financial times, departments are often offering fewer sections," said Dr. Elinor Grusin, professor of journalism. "They fill up quickly." Grusin won the Journalism Department's Advising Award in 1994.
Grusin also stressed the importance of advising because students do not always know the best route to graduation."Self-advising can lead to students being in school longer than they should," she said.
"The advisor is a wonderful resource for information about possible careers, internships, and other areas related to the major besides courses to take," added Patsy Krech, college advisor for the College of Arts and Sciences.
Jonathan Nepting, freshman percussion performance major, has confidence in his advisor's knowledge.
"Being a college professor, having 20 years experience, he knows what to take and what not to take," he said.Students must be prepared, though, to take advantage of all their advisor has to offer.
"They should prepare themselves for their meeting by having their degree plan, a list of possible courses, and questions about requirements ready," Krech suggested.
Students can find out what they need for their advising session by accessing the advising Web site and reading the "Student & Advisor Responsibilities." This page also helps students know what their advisor has done to prepare for the meeting.
Krech partly blames the student for an unsatisfying schedule."Generally, a bad or disappointing schedule is the result of procrastination," she said. "Putting off making an appointment with an advisor and putting off registration until well after the first opportunity."
Some students, however, realize the need to register early. Freshman electronic engineering technology major, Anthony Buchanan has already set up his advising appointment and is ready to register."I don't want any 8 a.m. classes and hopefully can get a day with no classes," he said.
He said his advisor is easy to talk to and very helpful."She gives me options. She says 'you could do this, or you could do this,'" Buchanan said.
"I just go in and talk to her about stuff, not advising, just stuff," he said.
Grusin agreed with this close advisor-student relationship.
"You get to know the students better and know their goals and you can help to launch them into internships at the same time," she said. "I have a lot (of students) who stay in touch after graduation. I go to a lot of weddings."
