33 Student Advising at CWI

Navigating college can be a complex and sometimes overwhelming experience, especially for new students. At CWI, we understand the challenges you may face and are committed to providing you with the support and guidance you need to succeed. One of the key resources available to you is our Academic Advising program.

Every degree-seeking student is assigned a dedicated Academic Advisor based on their declared major. These knowledgeable professionals are here to help you explore your career and educational goals, create a personalized academic plan, and navigate the various aspects of your college experience. They are your partners in success, and we encourage you to take advantage of their expertise and support.

The Role of Your Academic Advisor

1. Class and Degree Planning: One of the primary roles of your Academic Advisor is to help you plan your classes and create a roadmap for achieving your academic goals. They will work with you to develop a personalized plan that takes into account your interests, strengths, and any specific requirements of your chosen program. This plan will help you stay on track, avoid unnecessary courses, and ensure that you’re taking classes in the optimal sequence for your degree.
2. Transfer Support: If your goal is to transfer to another institution after completing your studies at CWI, your advisor can provide invaluable assistance. They can help you research potential transfer schools, understand transfer requirements, and navigate the process of sending transcripts and other necessary documents. Whether you have a quick question or need more in-depth guidance, your advisor is here to help demystify the transfer process.
3. Student Success Strategies and Resources: College life can present various challenges, from managing your time effectively to navigating online courses. Your Academic Advisor is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to student success strategies and can provide you with tips, techniques, and resources to help you thrive. They can also connect you with additional support services on campus, making them an excellent first point of contact for any questions or concerns you may have.
4. Frequency of Advising Meetings: At CWI, we believe in the importance of regular communication between students and their advisors. As a degree-seeking student, you are required to meet with your advisor during your first semester, before registering for your second semester. This initial meeting is an opportunity to co-create your academic plan, discuss any challenges or successes you’ve experienced, and ensure that you’re on the right path to achieving your goals.

Beyond this mandatory first meeting, we recommend connecting with your advisor at least once per semester. These check-ins allow you to review your progress, make any necessary adjustments to your plan, and discuss your next steps. You should also reach out to your advisor anytime you need to make changes to your plan, are experiencing difficulties in your classes, or have questions about your future beyond CWI.

Connecting with Your Advisor

Now that you understand the valuable role your Academic Advisor plays in your success, let’s explore how you can connect with them.

Finding Your Assigned Advisor: To find your assigned advisor, visit the Student Success Advisors page on the CWI website. Here, you’ll find a list of advisors, along with their contact information, advising specialties, and a personalized link to schedule an appointment.

If you’re a non-degree-seeking or dual credit student, you may not have an assigned advisor. However, you can still request one by emailing academicadvising@cwi.edu with your career goals, and you’ll be connected with an advisor in your area of interest.

For a step-by-step guide on finding your assigned advisor, check out this short video.

Scheduling an Appointment: Once you’ve located your advisor, you can easily schedule an appointment using their personalized youcanbook.me link, found on the Student Success Advisors page. Simply click on the link, choose an available date and time that works for you, and fill out the necessary information. Your advisor will then confirm your appointment and provide any additional details you may need.