What is Academic Advising?

Advising is an ongoing process between academic advisors and students through which students clarify, pursue, and reevaluate their goals; navigate their academic journey; and engage with their campus community. In an effective advising partnership, students and advisors play active roles, including the following:

 

ADVISORS WILL STUDENTS WILL
Support academic and career exploration Read and respond to emails
Explain degree requirements and policies Be mindful of important dates and deadlines
Assist with course planning Prepare for advising appointments
Connect students with faculty, resources, and opportunities Follow-up on referrals
Communicate with advisors and support system

When is Academic Advising?

Academic advisors connect with students throughout the school year. To discuss academic progress, explore goals, learn about opportunities, and plan for future semesters, students can reserve individual appointments with their Academic Advisor through Advise USC.

 

Weeks 1 & 2 Weeks 2-5 & 13-15  Weeks 6-12

Finalize Registration

Optional appointment with Academic Advisor to discuss registration changes and questions.

Explore & More 

Optional appointment to explore opportunities, multi-semester course plans, and more.

Pre- Registration 

REQUIRED appointment to prepare for next semester. To register when permit opens, complete this in advance.

Partnering with your Student

In accordance with the federal Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act, Academic Advisors share student information with individuals outside the university only if that student grants their permission. Students can give this permission by visiting MyUSC> OASIS> Other Services > Establish Guest Access and completing the prompts.

However, there are many ways parents can partner with their students, such as downloading the

 Parent Guide to Dornsife Undergraduate Academic Advising

 

MONTH IMPORTANT STUDENT DATES HOW PARENTS CAN SUPPORT
SEPTEMBER
  • 9/13: Last day to add classes
  • 9/26-9/29: Trojan Family Weekend
  • Remind your student to check their USC email
  • Encourage your student to utilize on-campus resources such as Academic Advising, Kortschak Center for Learning & Creativity and other learning support services
OCTOBER 
  • Schedule and attend Pre-Registration Advisement with advisor; do so before permit to register opens
  • Tues, 10/8: Dornsife Major/Minor Fair
  • Thurs, 10/10-11: Fall Recess
  • Listen and be supportive as your student navigates midterms and the stresses of the semester
  • Encourage your student to make their Mandatory Pre-Registration Advisement appointment with their advisor

Helpful Resources

Campus Support & Intervention (CSI) is an office within Campus Wellbeing and Crisis Intervention. They are a team of professionals here to assist current students, faculty, and staff in navigating complex issues.

USC Trojans Care for Trojans (TC4T) is an initiative within the Office of Campus Wellbeing and Crisis Intervention that empowers USC students, faculty and staff to take action when they are concerned about a fellow Trojan challenged with personal difficulties. This private and anonymous request form provides an opportunity for Trojans to help a member of our Trojan Family.

The USC Parents and Families website is a one-stop shop for information regarding Financial Aid, Safety, Housing and much more!

At the postsecondary level, parents have no inherent rights to access or inspect their child’s education records. This right is limited solely to the student.

However, many students do wish to share this information with their parents or other family members, so USC provides an easy way for students to grant permission for relatives to view education records, such as registered courses, the list of books required for courses, final grades, restrictions on the student’s account, and reports of progress toward degree completion.