When to Call Your Academic Advisor
As an online student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, you have a support team to help through your academic degree program and University processes.
One of your star players will be your academic advisor.
What do advisors do?
Advisors are available during advising periods and all semester long. They're here to:
- explain your curriculum, graduation requirements, policies, and steps
- help online students set academic goals
- connect online students with available resources and services
Understand your curriculum and set goals
The main job of an advisor is to help students understand their curriculum.
Sharon Williams-Gregory, who advises General Studies online, says this is often one of the first things she covers after a student is admitted.
“I’m the connection for students to the University, especially for those not in this area,” she says. “Once I’ve done their advising with them, students understand our curriculum.”
Transfer credits also matter. They show which classes can count toward your degree and how long it may take to finish.
Elizabeth LaPointe, the Health Promotion and Wellness advisor, works with students' past college credit to help them choose the fastest path to graduation.
She also works with other offices to check which courses can count.
“With transfer and reentry students, there are a lot of classes they took previously that we’re trying to have count so that they don’t have to repeat classes,” she says. “I try to make very clear to them which classes we’re substituting and that as much as possible from what they’ve taken previously counts toward our degree.”
LaPointe says many online students come to UL Lafayette after attending more than one school. She wants to see them cross the stage as a Ragin’ Cajun.
“I want this to be the place they complete their degree,” she says. “I don’t want them to feel like they only receive a little coursework here and then go on to the next institution.”
LaPointe says through advising, students gain a clear path to their degree.
“They are not figuring out anything alone,” she says. “I hope the steps to be advised, enroll, and maintain their academic career is very clear. I try to lay it out as clearly as possible so they see their path to graduation.”
Stay on track
College plans can change fast. A class may fill up. You may find a course that sounds good but does not fit your plan. You may also feel overwhelmed by your work.
Your online academic advisor can help you look at your options and find support.
“There aren’t many things students don’t call me for even if it’s, ‘I’m having a meltdown, and I don’t know what to do,’” says Williams-Gregory. “When it comes to their academics, they reach out to me first and foremost.”
If she does not know the answer, she helps students find the right office or person.
LaPointe says maintaining communication with your advisor throughout your academic career is important and expected.
Advisors can’t assist if they’re unaware of a problem.
“I always tell my advisees to copy me on any email, like if they’re having an issue enrolling in their math class, just keep me in the loop so I can assist with following up,” LaPointe says.
“Just constantly communicate with your advisor so they can advocate on your behalf.”
Who is my advisor?
Students are assigned an advisor after they are admitted to the University.
Online students can find their advisor by logging onto ULink and selecting “Academics” in the left-hand navigation. Advisors are listed at the bottom of the Academic Profile section. Note: Make sure to select a term to see the information.
Students can also find a directory of online advisors on the Online Program website.
Need additional help? Connect with an Enrollment Specialist by emailing online@louisiana.edu, or find resources through the Student Support tab on the Online Programs website.
