Department Advising Process and Information
The College of Arts and Sciences requires that all students be advised as they pursue their program of study at Appalachian State University. The Department of Sociology utilizes faculty advisors who meet with students prior to registration (April and November) to discuss course requirements and progress toward the degree; providing information necessary for course registration; and dealing with other issues pertaining to the student’s program of study. Overall, it is the advisor’s role to provide the student with advice and information regarding university and departmental academic requirements. Ultimately, however, the student is responsible for understanding and completing all requirements necessary for degree completion.
Meeting with the faculty advisor is required each semester in order to receive the PIN for registration, as PINs change each semester. Advising is also required for readmission after time away. The relationship between faculty advisors and students is typically multidimensional and may entail advice or suggestions about:
- potential internship placements,
- upper-level coursework choices,
- BA course suggestions,
- career development,
- graduate school options,
- department and university policies and processes, and
- campus resources.
Each March and October, faculty advisors will reach out to their assigned advisees to schedule advising sessions prior to the registration period. Priority registration begins the closest business day to April 1 and November 1. Faculty typically allow two weeks for advising sessions. Students should check their emails diligently during these times and schedule an appointment with their advisor to ensure they are registered for the appropriate courses in a timely manner. Failure to do so may result in not being able to take courses on time, which may delay meeting graduation requirement.
The advising process should be a dynamic conversation between students and faculty. Students are expected to review, update, and bring their four-year guide or transfer guide to each advising session.
Students may seek advice and assistance from the Undergraduate Programs Director, Dr. Amy Dellinger Page (pagead@appstate.edu ).