Freshmen are assigned professional advisors to assist with such academic matters as course selection and sequencing, major/minor selection, study skills, and generally "knowing the system." Advisors are available to discuss any concerns students might have about academic plans and/or performance and act as referral agents to other offices on campus when appropriate.

Although all freshmen receive the same level of personalized advising service, some freshmen require and receive specialized advising: Honors students and athletes, for example, work with advisors who have a high level of expertise in those areas.

Students who have completed at least 30 hours of credit and who have chosen a major are assigned to faculty advising in their department. Faculty advisors are able to provide the kind of program-specific, specialized information that students committed to a field of study need. Students working with faculty advisors have a second advising resource in their Advising Center Coordinators, professional advisors who help students and faculty advisors with special concerns.

Students who have completed 30 credit hours but have not chosen a major are advised by professional advisors who can help students consider their options and make wise choices. There is no particular point in time at which students must choose their majors; professional assistance is available as long as students need it.

To assist all students and advisors, the University has developed the Degree Analysis Progress Report (DAPR) that lists each student's requirements, progress to date, and remaining requirements. The DAPR is available every term for advisors and students to use in course planning.

Advising at Ball State is a University-wide program that offers a high level of general support to students who are starting their college work and progresses to a more specialized service for students who have been successful and have made academic commitments.

For further information, contact Dr. Michael Haynes, Director of Academic Advising.