Undergraduate Academic Advising

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Last updated: May 18, 2023 by Holli McLean
6 min read

College of Nursing  > Advising Undergraduate Office

What is academic advising?

Academic advising is a collaborative student-centered educational process through which the advisor helps the student set and achieve academic goals; acquire relevant information and services; and make responsible decisions consistent with the student’s values, interests, goals, abilities, and degree requirements.

Advising is personalized to consider the individualized needs of each student, which may include appropriate referral services. Decisions concerning careers, co-curricular activities, or graduate study may be part of the advising process. In the College of Nursing, the academic advisor is a professional staff member who is knowledgeable in the admissions process and curriculum of the nursing programs, university resources, and all functions of the College of Nursing Student Affairs Office.

Academic advising is a shared responsibility, with students and advisors working together to develop and enhance educational plans and to promote academic success toward the realization of goals.  However, the student, not the advisor, bears the ultimate responsibility for selecting courses, meeting graduation requirements, and adhering to policies and procedures.

Advising Policy

All students are encouraged to consult with their advisors at any time. The student, not the advisor, bears the ultimate responsibility for educational planning, selecting courses and meeting course prerequisites, adhering to policies and procedure, and progressing towards graduation requirements.

From the USF Undergraduate Catalog (2017-18): “All admitted students are strongly encouraged to establish an advising relationship with a college and visit their advisors to keep abreast of any policy, procedural or curriculum changes that may affect them. Newly admitted first year in college students are required to meet with an academic advisor each semester until they have earned 30 USF credit hours. It is important to keep in mind that although the University provides advising services to assist students with academic planning, it is each student’s responsibility to see that all graduation requirements are met.”

Note: Distance education students are provided with the same high-quality support as traditional students. We encourage all students to participate in regular advising sessions, with distance students provided alternative means for in-person appointments, including email, phone, and web-based meeting systems.

Who is my advisor? Where are you located?

Students are assigned to an advisor in the College of Nursing upon entry. Advisor assignments are made based on the student’s program of study:

  • Freshmen Nursing Pathway, Pre-Nursing, Nursing Living Learning Community: Holli McLean
  • Admitted Pre-Licensure Nursing – Upper Division, Second Degree and VCARE: Maikelyn Lopez

While each student is assigned a primary academic advisor, you are welcome to meet with any advisor within your program of study in the Student Affairs Office. When making an appointment, you will be able to select the advisor of your choice (within your program).

Prospective students are encouraged to utilize our Prospective Student Advising services, as our academic advisors must give priority to currently enrolled, active pre-nursing and nursing students. Prospective students are provided specific services to assist with the application process (including Information Sessions and Walk-In Advising) and can also contact our Undergraduate Admissions Advisor, Ashley Ros, with questions.

Our advising office is located on the USF Health campus in the WELL, Room 1002. You can reach our office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm) at (813)974-2191.


How do I schedule an appointment?

Students should schedule academic advising appointments via e-Scheduler.

As a student, what is expected of me?

The College of Nursing expects you to:

  • Schedule your advising appointment well in advance of your registration eligibility. Never schedule an appointment during a class or lab time. If you must cancel or reschedule your appointment, notify the advisor at least 24 hours in advance through e-Scheduler or by calling our office.
  • Be familiar with the curriculum, which is available to you through materials received at orientation, the College of Nursing Baccalaureate Handbook, and/or the university’s Undergraduate Catalog.
  • Monitor your academic progress by periodically reviewing your academic history and DegreeWorks degree planning audit.
  • Take an active role in your advising session by being prepared to discuss your educational plans and goals.
  • Come prepared to your appointment with your current schedule, a tentative plan for next semester, and any questions you have for your advisor.
  • Be aware of any financial aid or scholarship requirements that may impact your academic planning. Review your scholarship requirements prior to your appointment so you can communicate with your advisor about these requirements when planning for future semesters.
  • Ask questions if you don’t understand a requirement or policy, or if you have a specific concern.
  • Be honest with your advisor about your academic performance, grades, and career goals.
  • Consult with your advisor before making drastic changes to an agreed-upon schedule.
  • Be aware of important deadlines (first day attendance, drop/add, withdrawal deadlines, etc.) and academic policies (grade forgiveness policies, excess credit hours, ARC, College of Nursing admission and progression requirements, etc.).
  • If applicable, review the admissions process and procedure for the nursing program you intend to apply. Come prepared to your appointment with any questions or concerns you may have about the application steps and/or timeline.
  • Consult with your advisor in advance on issues related to academic progress, a change in program, registration for study abroad, internships and co-ops, courses to be taken at another institution, withdrawal from courses, or withdrawal from the university.
  • Make decisions and take responsibility for your academic career.
  • Follow up on any referrals made by your academic advisor.
  • Check your university email account on a daily basis. Read any emails or letters that are sent to you by your advisor, the Student Affairs Office, and the College of Nursing.
  • Communicate professionally with your academic advisor. Always be sure to leave your name, university identification number (U#) and contact information in any email or voicemail correspondence.

As a student, what can I expect from my advisor?

You can expect your advisor to:

  • Be accessible to you during reasonable hours through appointments, walk-in hours, telephone, and/or email.
  • Understand the curriculum, admission and progression requirements for the College of Nursing, graduation requirements, and University policies.
  • Provide accurate information.
  • Discuss specific University and College of Nursing requirements, procedures, and deadlines.
  • Help you define and develop realistic goals and discuss the linkage between academic preparation and career opportunities.
  • Assist you in planning programs of study, both short- and long-term, that are consistent with your abilities and interests such as course load, academic background, program demands, and employment or personal commitments.
  • Help you identify special needs and acquaint you with services and programs provided by the College of Nursing and the university.
  • Refer you to other services, departments, and specific individuals as special needs are identified.
  • Monitor your progress toward educational goals and keep accurate, up-to-date records of your academic progress.
  • Respect your right to privacy of educational records and discuss confidential information only with appropriate individuals and for the purpose of serving your best interests.
  • Help you assume responsibility for your decisions and actions.

Student Learning Outcomes

As the result of participating in academic advising, students will be able to demonstrate measurable learning outcomes. These outcomes include:

Students will demonstrate they know:
  • Admission procedures and information for the specific nursing program for which they intend to apply or have been admitted
  • Curricular requirements, progression standards, course sequencing, and grading policies, in order to graduate in a timely fashion.
  • Academic policies and procedures related to student admission, progression and graduation.
  • Career and professional development opportunities available within the field of nursing as well as on-campus support for identification and exploration of career paths.
  • Campus resources and support systems that promote academic success.
Students will demonstrate they can:
  • Develop an academic plan and assess degree progress through graduation.
  • Identify and critically reflect upon academic and career goals in light of personal values, strengths, weaknesses, and priorities.
  • Develop professional skills and strategies for academic success that include navigating the USF academic environment and its resources, policies, and procedures.
  • Take responsibility for making decisions regarding their academic success.
Students will demonstrate they value/appreciate:
  • The importance of academic planning and their shared responsibility in the process.
  • The importance of enhancing their degree with co-curricular/extracurricular and inter/intercultural experiences.
  • Their responsibilities as educated citizens of USF and of a global society.
  • The educational process and learning across the lifespan.

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