What are the Advisors' responsibilities to students?

• Listen attentively to your questions and concerns.
• Respect your unique interests, abilities and circumstances.
• Help you to explore academic and extra-curricular options that support your personal and career interests.
• Explain degree requirements.
• Clarify information about university regulations, policies and procedures as appropriate.
• Assist you in developing an appropriate class schedule.
• Refer you to appropriate campus resources.Help you learn how to search out answers for yourself.
• Assist you in gaining decision-making skills and assuming responsibility for your education.

What are the students' responsibilities with Academic Advisors?

• Be prepared for advising sessions by bringing appropriate documents (DARS, test scores, transcripts, etc.), making a list of questions and concerns and planning a tentative class schedule.
• Take responsibility for learning and complying with university requirements, policies and procedures.
• Honestly communicate your unique interests, values, abilities and circumstances with your academic advisor.
• Take responsibility for achieving your success and accept the consequences of your academic and personal choices.
• Keep up with your academic progress and maintain your own advising file.
• Bring your file to each advising session, and keep all documents until you graduate.
• Meet with your advisor regularly, and whenever you have a question or concern.

How do I schedule an appointment with an Advisor?

You may schedule an appointment online with a College of Fine Arts advisor.

What is Mandatory Advising?

College of Fine Arts students are always encouraged to meet with an advisors with any questions or concerns about academics or progress toward their degree. At certain points in every student’s academic career, they are required to meet with an advisor to continue attending classes. Students who do not meet with an advisor at these times will have an academic hold placed on their records, preventing them from registering for classes or applying for graduation. Learn more about the University’s Mandatory Advising Program here.

How do I run a Degree Audit Report (DARS)?

Find instructions for the Degree Audit Reporting System.

What is a catalog year?

A catalog year is the year you declared your major. When running a DARS report for your major, you should always use the appropriate catalog year. You can do this by clicking the "Generate DARS Report for My Major(s)" link in your CIS.

Why is my catalog year important?

Degree requirements can change from year to year. This happens most commonly with major course requirements. You don't want any surprises, do you? To be sure you are fulfilling the requirements for your particular catalog year, generate DARS for the correct year – YOUR catalog year.

What is the Graduation Planning System (GPS) and how do I access it?

The Graduation Planning System (GPS) helps students plan courses for the next semester or their whole degree. Building a plan early and meeting with an academic advisor often helps you to make informed choices and finish on your own timeline. More information can be found here.

What do I do if I have a registration hold?

Registration holds can prevent you from being able to register for classes in a timely manner. To find out if you have a registration hold, you need to log into CIS

• Look for the "Student Records" section on the Student tab
• Click on "View Holds."
• Look for the name in red on left side.
• Click on the hyperlink on the left side.
• Look for the reason that the hold was placed and follow the instructions for contacting the office to release the hold.

Depending on the type of hold, you may need to contact different offices. Read the registration hold policy in the Student Handbook.

If you still do not know what to do, contact your academic advisor to help you figure out your next steps so you can register.

What are some ways that I can get involved on campus?

There are many ways to answer this question as there are students at the University. Please make an appointment with a College of Fine Arts academic advisor so we can help you explore opportunities that interest you.

What do I do if I need to take a leave of absence?

Academic advisors understand that sometimes students need to take a break from their education. Before you leave the University, please make an appointment with your departmental academic advisor to learn what you need to do now to make your return to the University of Utah easier.