CBS academic advisors work together to build authentic relationships with students to support them in navigating their university experience. By understanding individual student identities, advisors develop students’ skills and confidence in critical thinking, decision making, goal setting, self-awareness and meaning-making.
We are a great first stop if you have any questions about your academics, how to navigate the university or what additional experiences you should engage in as a student here at the University of Minnesota!
Team approach: CBS Student Services uses a team approach to advising. Although you are assigned a primary advisor, you can meet with anyone on the advising team! You can request to change your primary advisor at anytime.
Topics you might discuss with your academic advisor
- Academic, career and personal goals
- Registration and classes
- Major and minor options
- Degree planning
- Research opportunities
- Getting involved on campus
- Learning abroad planning
- Academic and personal challenges
- Campus resources (mental health, accessibility, tutoring, financial aid, etc.)
- Interests, skills and strengths
- Identity and background (affinity groups, additional support resources)
- Campus climate
- Post-graduation plans (industry career, pre-health programs, graduate school)
Advisor and student expectations
Students can expect their advisor to...
- Welcome each student as an individual and respect differences in experiences, culture, strengths, challenges, values and educational and life goals.
- Provide a high-trust environment in which to share questions, aspirations, concerns and interests.
- Be a responsive listener and advocate while supporting the development of your own self advocacy, decision-making, accountability and responsibility.
- Help you explore your interests, goals, and talents and relate them to academic majors.
- Be accessible and tell you their preferred method of contact (email, phone, etc.)
- Be knowledgeable about your program, responsibilities and standards to help guide your progress toward your degree.
- Maintain and help you learn policies and procedures necessary to navigate the university.
- Refer you to resources and support systems across campus.
- Maintain confidentiality and understand the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
- Discuss academic performance and implications.
Advisors can expect their students to...
- Take active responsibility for decisions you make or actions you take to facilitate successful progression towards your educational and career goals.
- Participate fully in the advising experience by sharing your academic, personal and career values and goals with your advisor.
- Make regular contact with your advisor and don’t wait until the last minute to schedule your appointments.
- Come prepared for your appointment with course ideas and discussion items. Ask questions if you do not understand an issue or have a specific concern.
- Ask instructors and advisors for help when you need it. Seek help before a situation becomes a crisis.
- Follow through on suggestions and referrals offered by your advisor to further your academic, career and personal goals.
- Inform your advisor of any academic difficulties or program or career changes.
- Become knowledgeable about academic requirements, university policies and procedures and key deadlines and dates.
- Familiarize yourself with and utilize UMN resources and opportunities.
- Frequently check for emails sent to your UMN email account.
Privacy notice
Advisors will maintain confidentiality and follow the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Note that advisors are mandatory reporters and will report when incidents include harm to self or others and any incidents of sexual or relationship violence that occur on campus.