Academic Advisement

Academic Advising Mission

Academic advising at YSU is an integrated teaching and learning process built upon an ongoing interactive partnership between students and their advisors.

Academic advising supports students in developing a balanced scholastic plan that will provide them with a solid foundation for academic success and empower them to take responsibility for achieving their life-long educational and career goals.

(Adopted February 2010)

Who Requires Academic Advising?

Advisement is required for the following students:

  • Freshman and Sophomore (fewer than 60 hours)
  • Post-secondary enrollment (College Credit Plus)
  • Students not in good standing (warning, probation)
  • First semester transfer students
  • Returning former students
  • Athletes

Reasons to See an Advisor

Academic advisors strive to support students as they navigate their way through college so they can reach their academic goals. Here are a few reasons why you might want to make an appointment to see an academic advisor:

  • Need help understanding requirements to finish your degree
  • Need an explanation of YSU academic policies and/or regulations
  • Have questions about majors and/or minors
  • Need assistance in the creation of an academic plan toward graduation
  • Have academic difficulties and want to know where to find help
  • Want to prepare for the application process to restricted majors such as nursing, dental hygiene, respiratory care, and social work
  • Feel confused, overwhelmed, or generally unsure about what you should be doing
  • Want to keep on the path to graduation

What You Will Learn from Meeting with Your Advisor

  • You will gain an understanding of the requirements of your major
  • You will learn about the university requirements to obtain a degree, including:
    • General Education requirements
    • Upper division requirements
    • Total hour requirements
    • Minor requirements
  • You will be informed of relevant university policies and learn to navigate them, including:
    • Changing majors
    • Withdrawing from classes
    • Warning, probation, and suspension policies
    • Course repetition
    • Degree audit
    • Application for graduation audit
    • Graduation application
  • You will learn about and be referred to relevant campus resources (as needed)
  • You will learn to make short-term and long-range plans for your college career that will supplement your career and life goals
  • You will understand how your curriculum and college experiences relate to your future career goals

Advising Offices

Each academic college assigns advisors differently.  Students should contact the office below in which their major lies to find their advisor.

  • Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences and Education (BCLASSE) Advisement Beeghly 330-941-3268; Advisement Debartolo 330-941-3413 
  • Bitonte College of Health and Human Services (BCHHS), Cushwa Hall, Room 2104, 330-941-1820
  • Cliffe College of Creative Arts (CCCA), Bliss Hall, Room 2324, 330-941-3625
  • College of Science, Technology, Math, and Engineering (STEM), Moser Hall, Room 2325, 330-941-2512
  • Williamson College of Business Administration (WCBA), Student Services Center, Room 1115, 330-941-2376
  • Office of Career Exploration and Development (for students in Exploratory major), Jones Hall, Room 2002, 330-941-3515
  • First Year Student Services (for students in YSU 1500), Jones Hall, Room 3032, 330-941-2131
  • Strong Start Office (for students in SS 1500), Kilcawley Center West, 330-941-3538

What to Expect from Your Academic Advisor

Your academic advisor will:

  • Assist you in exploring areas of study on your way to choosing your major
  • Encourage and support you in establishing your goals and tracking your progress toward those goals
  • Provide a safe setting for you to share your thoughts, goals, and concerns
  • Listen to your questions and concerns and provide resources and referrals as needed in order to facilitate your college experience
  • Understand and explain YSU policies and procedures, general education requirements, academic programs, and student services
  • Maintain confidentiality

What Your Academic Advisor Expects from You

In order to have a successful advising experience, you must:

  • Accept responsibility for your decisions and actions
  • Research your areas of interest including YSU programs and degree requirements
  • Plan ahead (schedule appointments early and have the courtesy to cancel or reschedule as necessary)
  • Come prepared for your advising appointment with your questions and concerns
  • Follow up on referrals and inform your academic advisor of the outcome of the referrals
  • Use all available campus services as necessary (Math Assistance Center, Writing Assistance Center, Counseling Services, Resch Academic Success Center, Career Development and Exploration)

Undergraduate Preparation for Post-Baccalaureate Degrees

Medical schools have specific requirements for pre-medical study, and many law, theological, technological, and graduate schools have curriculum requirements for those seeking admission. Anyone wishing to enter a professional, technological, or graduate school of any kind should consult advisors in the appropriate undergraduate college of this university as early as possible. Such special needs can usually be met within the degree requirements of Youngstown State University, but the proper selection of courses may have to begin in the first year.