Academic Advising
Student Academic Affairs Office
School of Human Ecology (SoHE)
Student Academic Affairs Office
475 N. Charter Street
B312 Sterling Hall
Madison, WI 53706
acadaffairs@mail.sohe.wisc.edu
ph (608) 262-2608
fax (608) 265-3616
The Student Academic Affairs Office (SAA) assists students in taking an active role in their educational experience through information, service, and support. Committed to helping both current and prospective students succeed, the SAA staff provides a variety of academic services.
Each student is assigned to an academic advisor in the Student Academic Affairs Office and a faculty mentor within their area of study, once they have been accepted into their program. All students may view their advisor's name and contact information via the Student Center on MyUW. Students may request a change in advisor at any time.
Advising in Student Academic Affairs in the School of Human Ecology (SoHE)
- Students who currently have a declared major in the School of Human Ecology
- It is recommended that SoHE students stop in during walk-in advising for scheduling and quick questions.
- Students who are currently undeclared or are in another major on campus, but are interested in switching to a major in the School of Human Ecology
- On-campus transfer students can receive advising at a Becoming a SoHE Student Information Session/Workshop. During this meeting, students will find out about how & when to apply to the program, the difference between majors, required & supporting classes, career options and much more. The second half of the hour-long session is conducted in a workshop format where students are able to review a “What-If” DARS, compare it to the curriculum checksheet for their program of interest, and ask an advisor about any individual questions they may have. To sign up for a session, students should call the SoHE Student Academic Affairs office at 608.262.2608.
- Incoming freshman and transfer students who have applied to or have been recently accepted to the University and are interested in pursuing a major in the School of Human Ecology
- These students should meet with School of Human Ecology advisors during summer or winter Student Orientation, Advising & Registration (SOAR), which is required for all incoming students.
- Prospective high school and transfer students interested in learning about the School of Human Ecology and its majors.
- These students should request an individual appointment with an academic advisor to discuss their area of interest.
How to Meet With an Academic Advisor or the Internship Coordinator
- Stop in Room B312 during walk-in advising hours, which are posted on the office door and throughout Sterling Hall
- Attend Group Advising & Information Sessions
- Schedule an individual appointment
- Call us at (608) 262-2608
- Stop in Room B312, Sterling Hall
- Email your advisor with quick and simple questions
When scheduling an appointment, please be prepared with the following information:
- Name of assigned advisor
- Your UW campus id #
- Your current major and/or the major you are interested in
- Phone number
- Purpose of appointment
Keep in mind, November, December, April, and May are very busy advising times. Please call 1-3 weeks in advance for an appointment. You do not need to wait until the timetable comes out to schedule an appointment.
September, October, February, and March are good times to discuss interests, majors, and careers.
It is the students’ responsibility to remember the date and time of their appointment and to be on time. If you are unable to keep your appointment, please call us to reschedule or cancel.
Prior to your Advising Appointment
- Review the major requirements using a checksheet for your major.
- Examine you latest DARS report. If you have not yet been admitted to a major in the School of Human Ecology, examine your “What-If” DARS for the major you are interested in. Instructions for how to obtain your DARS can be found here.
Responsibilities of Students, Advisors & Faculty Mentors
When it comes to advising, the student, advisor, and faculty mentor have specific responsibilities. In order to make the most of your advising experience, take notes of the following recommendations.
Students are responsible for...
- Knowing the requirements of their particular academic program and monitoring their progress toward graduation
- Scheduling and keeping academic advising appointments throughout their academic career
- Being prepared for advising sessions by:
- Bringing a DARS, transcript, or other relevant paperwork to appointments
- Having a list of questions and/or concerns
- Having a tentative schedule in mind
Advisors are available for the following...
- Work with prospective students and families
- Plan and participate in academic orientation to UW-Madison and SoHE
- Assist students in the attainment of their educational goals
- Implement University rules, regulations, and procedures (drops, withdrawals, etc.)
- Interpret placement test scores
- Interpret transfer and study abroad credits
- Provide accurate and consistent advice and direction to students
- Help students efficiently navigate the curriculum
- Explain General Education Requirements (GER)
- Act as a liaison to other colleges and departments on campus
- Clarify the proper sequence of required courses and prerequisites
- Give information on entrance to major requirements and program admission procedures
- Work with students to resolve academic actions (probation, etc.)
- Check graduation requirements and degree audits
Faculty Mentors can share their expertise to...
- Broaden student's understanding of the discipline
- Enhance student's awareness of related professions
- Share knowledge of content areas
- Develop individualized focus areas
- Explore complementary certificate programs
- Challenge intellectual growth and development
- Promote skill development and personal communication
- Enrich educational experiences through research, identification of internship opportunities, etc.
- Assist in professional career development and related knowledge
- Help build relationships and a network in the field, including professional organizations
- Prepare for graduate studies and provide recommendations
- Introduce students to professional opportunities they had not considered
- Provide specialized guidance and support in areas of interest
Note: If you have a faculty mentor, you need to contact them directly to schedule an appointment. Contact information can be found in the School of Human Ecology Directory.
