Advising & Registration

Find your advisor and other information at these departmental advising pages:

What is Academic Advising?

Advising is an essential component in a student's life when pursuing academic achievement. It is a process that assists students in the clarification of their career goals and the development of educational plans for overall success. In the College of the Arts, our academic advisors promote a growth mindset, utilize data/predictive analytics to identify at risk students, optimize technology and advising tools to enhance real-time, meaningful interactions (Face-2-Face and online), and build positive relationships with our students. Students come to advising for Coaching, Mentoring & Degree Planning; our team of advisors are dedicated to student success through proactive and developmental advising. Faculty and Professional Academic Advisors value the personal interactions with our students, these interactions are high value experiences that educate & empower our students. Ultimately, advisors provide guidance and support to advance our students both personally and academically.

At VSU, advising is a collaborative, mandatory process designed to help students; 

  • Succeed academically,
  • Develop an appropriate educational plan leading to graduation, 
  • Focus on their life beyond the university, and 
  • Play a responsible and proactive role in their own education.

  • Who Advises?

    The College of the Arts collaborates with University Advising & Student Transitions, they have professional team members that are trained advisors who are motivated and passionate about advising and helping students succeed. Within the COA our faculty advisors are experts in their discipline, connecting routinely with our students; in the classroom, the studio, on the stage, in a lab, and beyond. Students can find out who their advisor is by logging into MYVSU.

  • Why do Students Come to Advising?

    • Acceptance/admission questions
    • Registration questions
    • Financial Aid questions
    • Change of major/Program of Study Questions
    • Course withdrawals
    • Academic Difficulty
    • How do I?
    • Academic Standing
    • Career exploration
    • Professional mentorship & more!

  • Where Should Students Go For Advising?

    All first-year students with 0-29 hours regardless of the major and all exploratory students who have not yet determined a major will be advised in Centralized Advising.
    Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors with 30+ hours who posses the required GPA for the major of interest, will visit the specific college of major.

  • Should All Students Be Advised?

    Yes! The VSU Undergraduate Catalog states that all undergraduate and graduate students must meet with their advisor each semester before being allowed to access the registration system and register for classes. 

  • ADVISORS ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO:

    • Explore academic interests and determine an appropriate major
    • Design a program of study meeting individual interests and needs
    • Map out a schedule and prepare for registration
    • Monitor student's academic progress
    • Find activities and opportunities to enhance the academic experience
    • Seek mentorship and career path development
    • Connect with campus support services, such as:

  • WHAT IS THE STUDENT'S ROLE IN ADVISING?

    • Initiate and maintain regular contact with your assigned advisor
    • Schedule and keep advising appointments
    • Monitor current academic progress
    • Read and use VSU's Undergraduate Catalog
    • Know the requirements of the degreed academic program of interest
    • Ask questions, be proactive and engaged!