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Academic Advising for Undergraduate Students

Academic advising is an essential component of a student's educational experience at Saint Louis University. All undergraduate students are assigned a professional academic advisor who works with them throughout their time at SLU.  These advisors provide important information and guidance to help students achieve their educational goals, assist them in navigating various policies and procedures, and are often the initial point of contact between students and campus resources.

Advising Roles and Outcomes

Successful advising is the result of a collaborative relationship, with the advisor and student each performing certain tasks and sharing important information throughout the student’s time at SLU. 

Academic advisors:

  • assist students in understanding their academic requirements.
  • assist students with establishing and monitoring their progress toward educational goals.
  • encourage students to take an active role in their educational experience and empower them to make decisions for short- and long-term plans.
  • discuss academic and/or personal concerns with the student and, when appropriate, refer the student to relevant programs or offices within the University structure.
  • adhere to federal guidelines regarding the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act.

In collaboration with their academic advisors, students:

  • develop and monitor an educational plan to achieve their educational goals.
  • select courses that meet the requirements of their SLU degree (i.e., major, Core, electives)
  • effectively utilize technological platforms (Courses@SLU, DegreeWorks, EAB Navigate, Banner Self-Service, etc.) for course registration and educational planning).
  • identify and utilize campus resources and services that can assist them in achieving their academic, personal, and career goals.
  • identify members of their Success Team and understand the purpose/expertise of each assigned staff/faculty member.
  • know where to obtain information about relevant academic policies and procedures.

To achieve the above outcomes, it is important for students to communicate with their advisor at appropriate times, come prepared to advising appointments, and accept responsibility for decisions and actions that affect educational progress and goals.

Advising Structure and Locations

Academic Advising offices are situated in multiple locations on campus, with each office supporting students in specific colleges or schools.  Each of these units is managed by a Director of Academic Advising who reports to the Assistant Provost for Academic Success in the Office of the Provost.  This structure allows for consistent practices and support across the various units, while acknowledging the unique characteristics of each program’s curricular and academic needs.  

Select the school or college below to learn about the advising office serving those students. 

Assistant Provost for Academic Success: Peggy Dotson

Additional Student Support and Resources

The Academic Advisor is one member of the student’s Success Team at SLU.  Students are also assigned a Faculty Mentor, Career Counselor, and Financial Aid Counselor.  Students may also work with an advisor or counselor if they are participating in one of the following programs: RISE Program; University Honors Program; INTO SLU; Office of Pre-Health and Pre-Law Studies; Students’ Opportunities for Achievement and Resources; Student Success Coaching; International Services; and University Athletics Academic Services. All members of the Success Team are listed in EAB Navigate where students can email and/or schedule an appointment.  

In addition to the assigned success team, students have access to a range of support and information from numerous campus resources.