About:  Academic Advising

College can be very confusing especially in your first semester.  This is why you have an Academic Advisor who will help you to navigate through college.  It is your responsibility to be successful in college, but your Academic Advisor will be by your side if you have questions or need help.

What is the role of an academic advisor?

In general, your Academic Advisor will make sure that you have selected the correct major based on your career plans and will refer you to appropriate resources if you don’t know yet what career to pursue.  He/she will provide you with a list of classes you need to complete and will double check if you are taking the correct courses towards your chosen degree. 

An academic advisor is also your first point of contact if you have questions regarding academic policies and procedures such has how to register or to drop a class, and if you have academic problems, he/she will refer you to the appropriate support offices.

How do I contact my academic advisor?

You can contact your advisor by setting-up an appointment, through walk-ins, by telephone, or e-mail. 

How often should I meet with my academic advisor?

You should make an appointment with your assigned advisor once every fall and spring semester to update your degree plan, discuss specific questions and monitor your general progress towards your degree.  These appointments are usually an hour in length and provide the time for you and your advisor to fully discuss your academic program and answer any questions that you may have.

 

When should I schedule my regular fall and spring semester advising appointment?

Schedule the appointment early in the semester and avoid high traffic times such as the start of registration periods in November or April.

 

What are 'Advising Walk-In" times and how should I use them?

Walk-in times do not substitute for your regular, hour-long fall and spring appointments with your advisor. They are in addition to your regular appointments.

Walk-in times are for emergencies or questions that have a quick answer such as:  Does this course fulfill a specific requirement….? How do I apply for graduation….?  Where do I find more information about…..? 

You might not be able to see your assigned advisor during walk-in times, as walk-in times are on first-come first-serve basis.

What Advising Center should I use?

There are many advising centers on campus and you may need to meet with an advisor in more than one of these centers depending on you major and career goal.

Colleges' Freshman Advising Center (CFAC)

All freshmen (new students with 0 – 29 credit hours) are seen in the Colleges' Freshmen Advising Center. Two freshmen advisors are specifically assigned to assist COEHD students.

Web-site: http://www.utsa.edu/cfac/

Location: MS 2.02.18

Telephone: 210-458-5170

Fax: 210-458-6281

E-mail: cfac@utsa.edu

College of Education and Human Development (COEHD)

Undergraduate Advising and Teacher Certification Center

Once you have completed 30 credit hours, you will be seen in the COEHD Advising Center. The following majors are seen by the COEHD Advising Center:  Kinesiology, Health, Mexican American Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies (Teaching Certification and degree only)

Web-site: http://coehd.utsa.edu/Students/Advising/index.htm

Location:  MB 3.214 (at the 1604 Campus)

Telephone: 210-458-4424

Fax:  210-458-5410

E-mail: COEHDAdvising@utsa.edu

The Downtown Undergraduate Advising Center (DTUAC)

Advising is also available at the Downtown campus. These advisors assist all majors regardless of classification.

Web-site:  http://www.utsa.edu/dtuac/

Location:  BV 1.304 (at the Downtown Campus)

Telephone: 210-458-2550

Fax: 210-458-2575

E-mail: dtadvising@utsa.edu

Note:  Once you have decided which campus (1604 or downtown) that you prefer to use for advising, it is in your best interest to stay with the center that you have chosen to ensure continuity in your advising experience.

 Health Professions Office Advising Center (HPO)

If you are planning to pursue a health profession career such as nursing, medicine,physical therapy you need to visit with a health professions career advisor as soon as possible in your freshman year. Using the information below, contact them now to schedule an appointment. 

Web-site: http://www.utsa.edu/healthprofessions/

Location: MS 3.02.10

Telephone: 210-458-5185

Fax: 210-458-6637

E-mail: hpoffice@utsa.edu

Athletic Advising Office

If you are on an athletic scholarship you must meet with the Athletic Advising Office to ensure your NCAA eligibility.

Web-site: http://www.goutsa.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=13100&KEY=&ATCLID=610767

Location: PE 2.01.02

Telephone: 210-458-4165

Fax: 210-458-4813

E-mail: Carolee.goodyear@utsa.edu

Jim Aviles, Advisor

CFAC Advising Center

Multidisciplinary Science Building (MS)

Location of the

CFAC Advising Center

Main Building (MB)

Location of the

COEHD Advising Center