The First Year Advisors are here to make sure you get the most out of your Cleveland State University experience.  We are here to help you create an individualized academic plan and provide valuable resources to keep you focused on your goals. 

To make the most of your advising process, you should meet with your advisor at least once a semester to ensure you are on the right path towards graduation.  You and your advisor share a common goal: to get and keep you on a track for timely graduation and a rewarding career. 

Student Responsibilities – What You Are Expected To Do
As a student, it is your responsibility to:

•       Schedule regular appointments or make regular contact with advisors during each semester

•       Read and respond to communication from your advisor (phone, text, email, starfish)

•       Come to each appointment prepared with questions or material for discussion

•       Be an engaged learner by participating fully in the advising experience

•       Keep a personal record of your progress toward meeting your goals

•       Gather relevant decision-making information

•       Clarify personal values and goals and provide advisor with accurate information regarding your interests and abilities

•       Become knowledgeable about college programs, policies, and procedures

•       Become your own best self-advocate

•       Invest completely in the educational process and accept responsibility for decisions

Advisor Responsibilities – What You Can Expect
As a student, you can expect your advisor to:

•       Understand and effectively communicate the curriculum, graduation requirements, and university and college policies and procedures

•       Encourage and support students as they gain the skills to develop clear and attainable educational plans

•       Provide students with information about the available resources and services on campus

•       Assist students in understanding the purposes and goals of higher education and its effects on their lives and personal goals

•       Monitor and accurately document students’ progress toward meeting their goals

•       Be accessible for meeting with advisees via office hours for advising, telephone, e-mail, or text access

•       Assist students in gaining decision making skills and skills in assuming responsibility for their educational plans and achievements

•       Maintain confidentiality