McCombs School of Business
Undergraduate Programs
BBA : Advising : What is Academic Advising?
 

What is Academic Advising?

 
Academic Advising

McCombs School of Business
Academic Advising Mission Statement

  • To provide personalized, developmental advising and counseling services to each student in the McCombs School of Business
  • To ease the transition for students from other educational institutions to The University and the McCombs School
  • To assist students in defining, evaluating, and pursuing the skills needed to achieve their academic and professional goals
  • To be a positive, professional role model for all students
  • To inform students about the services available in the McCombs School and at The University that are designed to enhance student success and increase student retention
From the UT Austin Undergraduate Catalog:

Academic advisors assist students in developing intellectual potential and exploring educational opportunities and life goals.  Through the relationship established between adviser and student within a friendly, helpful, and professional atmosphere, a student has the opportunity to learn about educational options, degree requirements, and academic policies and procedures; to clarify educational objectives; to plan and pursue programs consistent with abilities, interests, and life goals; and to use all resources of the University to best advantage.

Frequent advisor contact provides students with current academic information and promotes progress toward educational goals. The University supports that progress and encourages effective academic advising campus-wide.
To make the most out of an advising relationship, students should:
  • Work closely with your advisor to plan your program of study so that you will take the required courses in their proper sequence to meet the requirements of your major.
  • Discuss your long-range goals, career opportunities, and selection of a major with career counselors, faculty, your academic advisor, and other resource staff;
  • Be aware of changes in academic policies, procedures, and requirements by reviewing your assigned catalog, current Course Schedule, and degree plans;
  • Know basic University, college, and departmental graduation requirements of a chosen major;
  • See that any academic records from other universities are transferred and received by the Office of Admissions for evaluation.
  • Maintain personal copies of a tentative degree plan, progress reports, general educational evaluations, and transfer credit evaluations until an official graduation application is processed;
  • Accept responsibility for your decisions;
  • Seek help from your advisor when needed.
E-Mail Advising
During the first two weeks of the Fall semester, you will receive an e-mail message from your assigned Academic Advisor introducing him/herself to you, and you will receive periodic emails from the advisor with information on special events, deadlines, and policies in the McCombs School of Business.  See past advising messages here.

Freshman Interest Groups
The Academic Advisors also coordinate First-Year Interest Groups (FIGs), in which future business leaders have an opportunity to meet one another, learn more about the issues facing business professionals in the 21st century, and develop strategies for a successful tenure at UT. Student participants are selected during summer orientation.