Students are wise to schedule an appointment with an advisor well in advance of the opening of their registration window. Appointments in Advising & Student Transitions can be scheduled by phone (320) 308-6075 or online through Navigate. It is a good idea to check with other advisors and/or centers about the best method for scheduling an appointment.
The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, commonly referred to as FERPA, is a federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records. This federal law prohibits the university from sharing student records, including grades, with anyone but the student. If you have any questions about data privacy you can ask your advisor.
Students are assigned to an academic advisor based on their choice of major or acceptance into the Honors Program:
Students will also be assigned to a faculty advisor/mentor to guide them through graduation.
Use our Advisor Look Up to find their name(s) and contact information.
Sometimes students find it intimidating to approach their professor or teaching instructor, but it is an essential part of being a successful student. We highly recommend students to take advantage of professor/instructor office hours throughout the semester.
Here are some tips on how to approach your professor:
1. Be proactive. Contact your professor as soon as possible.
Don’t wait until the night before an assignment is due to email your professor with questions. If you get a difficult assignment, ask questions as soon as you can.
2. Schedule an appointment and/or visit your professor during posted office hours.
Office hours are scheduled meetings outside of class between a student and a professor or teacher’s assistant. These hours are listed on the course syllabus. There are numerous reasons to attend office hours: to clarify course material, determine grades, review certain concepts before an exam, and complete make-up work.
3. Catch your professor/instructor before or after a class for a quick question.
A heads up email before you approach them is a nice move, just in case it’s a more complicated question than you think.
Emailing tips:
Email examples:
1. Scheduling an appointment with a professor/instructor during office hours:
Dear Professor Johnson,
I am a student in your English 191 class on Mondays and Fridays at 3:00 pm. I have a few questions about [the topic you need help with]. Are you available for an appointment during your office hours? I would be available on Monday 1-3 pm and Tuesday 12-4 pm.
Could you please let me know if you are available to meet with me, and if so, what days and times might work for you?
Thank you!
Regards,
Anna Husky (Tech ID)
2. Scheduling an appointment with a professor/instructor outside the office hours:
Dear Professor Johnson,
I am a student in your English 191 class on Mondays and Fridays at 3:00 pm. I have a few questions about [the topic you need help with]. Are you available to make an appointment sometime next week? Unfortunately, I have another class during your office hours.
I am available ______ Do any of these times work for you?
Thank you.
Regards,
Anna Husky (Tech ID)
3. Notifying a professor about not attending class:
Dear Professor Johnson,
I wanted to let you know that I am unable to come to class on Tuesday due to
If you are sick: an unexpected illness. (COVID related absences please click here)
If you have a work commitment: There has been a staffing problem at my workplace, and they need me to come into work on Tuesday when we have our class. They have assured me that this is a one-off, and they will find a solution for the following Tuesday.
If there are transit delays: Unfortunately, there’s been an accident on the highway, and it is at a standstill. I do hope to make it in time, but it’s looking unlikely.
I will do my best to look over the materials you have provided for this week, and I have asked some friends to share their notes with me.
I plan to be back in class starting on______ and will plan to connect with you during office hours to ask any questions and make sure I am caught up.
Regards,
Anna Husky (Tech ID)
4. Missed class:
Dear Professor Johnson,
I was unable to attend the English 191 class yesterday (Monday, September 3) due to being under the weather. The syllabus indicates that your office hours are between 1:00-3:00 pm on Friday. Would you be available in your office this Friday so I can ask for clarification on the material presented in class?
I appreciate your time and look forward to speaking with you soon.
Thank You,
Anna Husky (Tech ID)
The Liberal Education Program (LEP) at St. Cloud State University is committed to the ideal of liberal education that provides knowledge, skills, and experiences and promotes critical thinking and ethical values for a lifetime of integrative learning in a diverse and changing society. The LEP is the liberal arts portion of your bachelor's degree (your "generals") and provides opportunities to explore academic interests and the development of transferable skills which apply to all careers.
St. Cloud State resources:
Reading your Degree Audit Report (DARs)
Your Degree Audit Report (DARs) shows you what you need to complete in order to satisfy all of the requirements for your degree. It will also show you how courses you have already taken apply towards your declared degree programs (major/minor/emphasis/concentration).
Explore the Student Registration & Financial Services website to learn how to access your Degree Audit Report.
Check out the video below to learn how to read your Degree Audit Report.
What is a “What-if” degree audit?
This audit answers the question “What-if” I declare an additional major, change my major, or add a minor. The "What-if" degree audit will apply your completed course work and how your requirements for graduation will change.
How to run a “What-If” DARs:
It is never too early to think ahead to graduation! Using your tools, you can plan ahead semester by semester to graduate on time. Discuss your graduation plans with your advisor to ensure that all prerequisites are covered and the classes you have selected will meet your degree requirements.
All new first year students will complete their Graduation Plan and have it on file with their advisor by the end of their first year. Then you'll officially move to a faculty advisor from your major program.
Tools for building your Graduation Plan:
Incoming transfer students should be aware that to be eligible for graduation under a four-year curriculum a student must have been in residence at St. Cloud State at least two semesters and must have earned at least 30 semester credits in residence. Some departments may require more than 30 semester credits in residence.
Part of your Graduation Plan includes planning for Study Abroad, Internships, and Student Organization involvement. Consult with your advisor to start planning these opportunities now!
Book an appointment with your academic advisor to work one-on-one to build your Graduation Plan.
Your major is the subject or field of study that you specialize in during your undergraduate career. With nearly 200 academic programs to choose from, St. Cloud State provides a variety of options for students.
A minor is a smaller concentration of classes in a secondary area of study. For most majors, minors are not required, but those requiring fewer credits may require a minor or one year in a single foreign language.
Some students pursue minors because they can complement their major and make them more marketable, while others minor in something they really enjoy but doesn't necessarily support their major.
Once you've identified a minor, please go directly to that academic department's office to complete the necessary paperwork.
Some St. Cloud State courses require that students have completed pre-requisite courses, or have earned satisfactory scores on placement exams, including the ACT, SAT, Accuplacer, or ALEKS.
Placement testing consists of the ACCUPLACER for Reading Comprehension and ALEKS for Math placement. Other tests, such as Biology, are available as determined by a student's intended major.
The results of the test will assist you and your advisor in selecting appropriate courses and support services as well as help you plan a course of study so you may have a successful college experience.
Explore the Placement Testing website for the full testing policy and to schedule your exam.
It's OK to be unsure about your major at the start of your college career!
A visit with your academic advisor is a good place to start the conversation about the process for choosing a major. Advisors can help you craft a semester schedule which meets liberal education requirements while also creating opportunities to explore major areas of interest. You may also choose to:
Check out information on Academic Programs to learn about St. Cloud State majors and minors
Check out the listing of Degree Maps that give you access to 4 year degree plans for all majors
Visit with the professor of a favorite class
Spend some time with the Career Center, completing career/interest inventories such as the Focus2
Make an appointment with someone at Counseling and Psychological Services to discuss major and career options
Students who are ready to transition to a major/program advisor will work with their assigned advisor to:
Students who are considering an education abroad program are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor early in their St. Cloud State career to plan courses. Many programs have pre-set classes that fulfill particular liberal education program (LEP) course requirements and/or major requirements, and advisors can help lay out courses to ensure you're maximizing your international experience.
Students interested in studying abroad should explore available programs and consult with an Education Abroad advisor before meeting with their academic advisor.
First year students planning to study abroad during spring semester should work with their advisor during Huskies Advising & Registration Days to proactively plan out your first and second semester schedules.
Academic advisors are available throughout the year to support students, including summer term.
Students assigned to a faculty advisor may find their advisor is unavailable over the summer or other university breaks. Support can be provided by the academic advisor assigned to that college/school, another faculty member, the department chair, or the Student Relations Director.