Connecting with Your Academic Advisor

As you drop your student off to begin, or continue, their college journey, the university can feel like an enormous world that is difficult to navigate, especially when returning from a difficult or perhaps returning from a difficult post-pandemic school year. The University of Arizona has many wonderful resources and perhaps one of the most crucial resources your student will engage with while on campus, is their academic advisor.

Academic advisors are crucial in helping ensure your student is taking the correct courses to meet degree requirements and to do so in a way that is beneficial to your student’s interests, academic strengths, as well as personal and professional goals. Advisors act as navigators for students as they work through unforeseen challenges that may arise during their time at the university. They are also your student’s greatest advocate. They are always ready to answer questions, clarify confusion, and help them find meaningful connections on campus that will enhance their college experience.

How can you help?

Encourage your student to meet with their advisor. There is no question too small that advisors can answer. However, for those questions that might be outside of an advisor’s expertise, they can help find the best person or department to talk to. If your student is struggling in a class, specifically before grades are posted, these are concerns advisors want to know about. If your student is debating if their major may not be the best path for them, advisors want to know. Your student’s advisor wants to hear about the good, the bad, and the ugly every step of the way. Encouragement from a parent or guardian can help students build the confidence to reach out and vocalize their concerns with their academic advisor and, we promise you, this will only help them thrive.

How does your student find their academic advisor?

Although your student met with their advisor at orientation, we understand that they may be unsure of how to contact them once the semester starts. Students can find their advisor in UAccess Student Center under the “Advising” tab and by selecting “View Advisors.” This is a quick way for students to find their advisor’s email address, phone number, office location, and even a link to their appointment schedule.

However, maybe your student is wanting to change majors, talk to an advisor in a different major or minor, or they are unable to get into their Student Center for any reason. They are still able to find an advisor via the Advising Resource Center’s major directory.

Check-in with Wayfinders!

Wayfinders are a group of academic advisors from majors across campus. While they will never replace your student’s assigned major advisor, Wayfinders can answer general questions about policies and deadlines as well as help them navigate all of the resources that the university offers. Wayfinders can talk with and help students at the main library and some dorms during the semester, but look for them all over campus! Check out their upcoming events and encourage your student to always feel free to email or stop by an event if they’re unsure of where to go or who to ask.

You can also email the Wayfinders! wayfinders@arizona.edu