Academic Advising

Academic Advising at Augustana

Academic Advising at AU

Augustana's career specialists and faculty academic advisors foster ongoing relationships with students. Learn more about our unique transformative model. 

Renowned Faculty. Distinctive Advising.

Through academic advising relationships, faculty members at Augustana provide a caring, holistic learning environment that fosters and celebrates excellence. Academic advisers challenge and support students to maximize their academic experience and broaden their sense of possibility as they live out Augustana’s core values. Faculty advisors directly contribute to the educational mission of the University through intentional conversations that empower students to reflect on their academic decisions and integrate their educational experiences. It is an educational endeavor that engages students in critical thinking, meaning-making, and goal setting. More specifically, students learn to:

  • Navigate transitions successfully from the point they enter Augustana to graduation and beyond.
  • Become members of the Augustana community, understanding its mission, language, values, and structure of the campus community.
  • Describe the value of the liberal arts and program-specific degree requirements.
  • Empower students to create and manage their academic plan of study.
  • Register for courses each semester in alignment with one's personal and professional goals.
  • Choose from robust majors, minors, pre-professional programs, and career pathways
  • Participate in the ongoing process of vocational reflection, adaptable career planning, and experiential engagement.
  • Construct and implement dynamic learning strategies and study techniques.
  • Celebrate their strengths and the assets they have that enable them to succeed.
  • Connect with valuable resources and services across campus.
  • Learn about Augustana's Pre-Professional Academic Advising

Augustana’s Distinctive Advising Model

  • Faculty Academic Advising: From day one, you will be mentored by faculty in your chosen disciplines or academic departments. Use these registration and vocational exploration resources to prepare for these conversations.
  • Career Planning Specialists: In addition to your faculty advisor, you also will be paired with a Career and Academic Planning (CAP) Specialist in the Student Success Center. They can help you confirm your major, succeed in your courses, meet with alumni mentors, network with employers, gain experience, and launch your career confidently at the time of graduation.
  • First-Year Seminars: In FYS 110, students develop abilities in writing, critical thinking, and information literacy through critical inquiry on a specific topic. FYS 110 courses also include an orientation component to introduce students to the college environment and, more specifically, Augustana. Some of the assignments also prepare you to meet with your advisor. For example, you will learn about a distinct academic planning tool that permits you to create a degree plan tailored to your interests. You will continue this learning in the Spring when you enroll in FYS 112: Vocation Within and Beyond the Academy. In this one-credit course required of all non-Civitas students, students create vocational engagement goals for the remainder of their studies. Whether it is study away, field experiences, internships, or research, there are many ways for you to apply your learning and make a difference in your community during your time at AU. Explore our major maps to view example vocational and educational plans for the programs of study that interest you. 

    Faculty advisors are excited to help you make the most of your time at Augustana. Many adventures await you. Contact your advisor today to chart your course. Questions? Contact the Registrar’s Office or Student Success Center.