Academic advising is a vital aspect of long-term academic success.
Our office takes a holistic approach to advising, and we strive to help you find academic, professional and personal success. We believe that advising is most impactful when it is a collaborative process, and our goal is to provide you with personalized support that empowers you to make the most out of your time here.
Whether you need assistance with planning curriculum, connecting with campus resources, seeking professional opportunities or anything else to support your goals, we are committed to helping you navigate your educational experience.
Hours
Monday-Friday | 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Closed on university holidays
Contact Form
Scheduling an Advising Appointment
Advising is done on an appointment basis. For advising appointments related to which courses to take, please sign up at least one month before your enrollment date. Fall/Summer registration begins in April, and Spring registration begins in November.
- Undergraduate declared major students can set up in-person and online advising appointments using Navigate360.
- Undeclared major students can call or visit our office to schedule an appointment with an undergraduate advisor.
- Graduate students can call or visit our office to schedule an appointment with the graduate advisor.
School of Architecture & Urban Planning Advisors
Advising Resources
Academic Renewal
Students who previously attended UWM, earned a GPA of less than a 2.0, and took a period of at least 3 years or more away from school may appeal for academic renewal (formerly known as academic forgiveness).
For minimum eligibility requirements and implications please reference the academic renewal section on the Registrar’s Office webpage.
Change of Major, Minor or Certificate
Students who desire a change of major, minor or certificate must be in good standing and schedule a meeting with an Academic Advisor. You may only declare a minor from outside your home department. You may declare any certificate for which you are eligible.
Late Drop or Withdrawal Appeal
Students can drop a course up until the fourth week of class without record on the transcript. After that, an official withdrawal (W) notation is added to the permanent record. Students may freely withdraw from a course up until the 10th week of classes. After the 10th week of classes, requests require approval through an appeal process. The information below in no way guarantees approval of appeal, nor does it count as an endorsement.
If the appeal is not due to medical reasons, please read through the information below.
Acceptable Conditions
- Significant/extraordinary or unanticipated circumstances not present throughout the term.
- Significant/extraordinary circumstances that have changed dramatically after the 10th week of classes.
Unacceptable Conditions
- Conditions or factors of which a student has been aware prior to the 10th week of classes (such as work responsibilities or outside commitments).
- Poor performance, dissatisfaction with the subject matter, or inadequate evaluation prior to the ninth week of classes.
Appeals Process
- Attend and remain in all courses during the appeals process.
- Contact your advisor to discuss your specific situation. Strict confidentiality is applied to personal and sensitive issues.
- Gather and submit all necessary documentation outlined by your advisor.
- Receive final decision from your advisor.
Re-Entry to UWM
If you were previously a UWM student but haven’t been enrolled for 2 or more semesters, or you were academically dropped and want to return to UWM, you will need to complete UWM’s re-entry steps.
Expected Learning Outcomes of Advising
| Learning Outcome | Year |
|---|---|
| Know your academic advisor and communicate concerns/questions effectively. Value academic advising in relation to successfully completing and navigating educational goals. | Every semester |
| Know how and where to access accurate information about resources, policies, procedures and degree requirements/advising curriculum sheets. Value the benefit of how resources supplement the ability for educational potential and success. | Year 1 |
| Know what support services are available to utilize when appropriate and utilize in a timely fashion. Understand campus technology, including PAWS, Office 365 email, D2L, schedule of classes timetable, registrar’s calendar, SSC Campus and add/drop calendar. | Year 1 |
| Identify and understand artistic field of study which is consistent with goals, interests and abilities. Discover the innate potential for creativity and innovation as an artistic member of the Milwaukee community. | Year 1 |
| Appreciate value of a liberal arts education and understand the importance of the selection of academic components (GER’s) in tandem with the study of the arts. | Year 1 |
| Learn to select and fully engage in academic curricular and extra-curricular activities (beyond the classroom walls) that enhance their educational experience. | Year 2 |
| Develop meaningful positive relationships with faculty, advisors, other staff and fellow students; appreciate the value added to their educational experience as result of their own active and engaged efforts. | Year 2 |
| Seek guidance from campus authorities and other mentors, while simultaneously strengthening personal decision-making capacity to be the “pilot” of one’s own college career, both in regard to academic and social skills. | Year 3 |
| Value the importance of networking and work-related experience prior to graduation. Articulate and reflect upon meaningful collegiate experiences to effectively prepare for the job search after graduation. | Year 3 and Year 4 |
| Respect differences among all students and members of society while learning to identify and develop one’s own personal values. Know how to work collaboratively with diverse populations. | Year 4 |
Student & Advisor Responsibilities
Both UWM and SARUP set high expectations for each student to act in ways that fulfill their potential, always in the context of a supportive environment. Therefore, the ultimate responsibility for making decisions about life goals and educational plans rests with the individual student.
Here are some suggestions for making the most of each academic advising meeting
- Bring a list of questions or concerns you would like to discuss.
- Reflect on your successes and challenges from past semesters.
- Spend time thinking about your current and future goals.
- Be open to your academic advisor’s feedback.
- Be honest and forthright about yourself and your personal expectations.
Student Responsibilities
- Accept responsibility for your academic plans and decisions.
- Schedule and follow through on regular advising appointments.
- Arrive at appointments on-time and ready to share information about progress or obstacles.
- Be aware of pertinent policies, procedures and requirements through use of SARUP website, the university website and/or visits with appropriate offices on campus.
- Develop positive relationships with faculty, staff and fellow students.
- Regularly read and respond in a timely manner to all university correspondence sent to you via mail or e-mail.
- Take advantage of all resources that may improve and enhance your educational experience.
- Challenge yourself by exploring new academic experiences to further articulate values, goals and interests.
- Actively engage yourself in university activities to become a part of the UWM community.
- Take time to reflect on both positive and challenging academic experiences to think about ways to better enhance your educational career.
Advisor Responsibilities
- Provide accurate information about policies, procedures and requirements.
- Appreciate and respect your uniqueness, demonstrated through positive and open dialogue.
- Ask questions and seek information to glean information about your academic progress.
- Engage you in conversation to find deeper meaning in your college experiences.
- Support your decision-making process to guide you towards an academic path that enhances your overall capabilities for success.
- Challenge you to find new ways of thinking about knowledge and how your personal goals and values align with your academic experiences.
- Encourage you to find methods to become involved with the university beyond the classroom walls.
- Assist you in understanding the purpose and potential of higher education.
- Assist you in developing academic/career plans consistent with your goals, interests and abilities.
- Refer you to additional resources when necessary or appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
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