Advising

Advising

We take advising seriously, and we expect the same of our students.

from the Longwood catalog on Academic Advising

Newly admitted students who have declared their intention to pursue a degree in a particular discipline are assigned advisors in the appropriate school. The assignment of the advisor is generally not changed unless the student changes his/her degree program. Students who have not declared a major are advised by a special group of advisors who participate in the Longwood Seminar program.

Prior to registration, students are required to consult with their assigned academic advisor regarding course selection, career goals, and relevant academic policies. Advisor signatures are required on all registration forms. Note: Students who do not consult with their advisor prior to registering for class may be prohibited from using web registration. Although the academic advisor assists students with curriculum decisions and options, the student bears full responsibility for meeting graduation requirements.

Individual advising sessions are held between professor and student beginning a week prior to each semester's registration period. Students are expected to schedule an advising session with their advisor. A PIN number, permitting the student to register, is required of each student who has earned less than 45 credit hours. However, we strongly urge all students, regardless of accumulated credit hours, to be advised. Mistakes can be made through self-advising, and, when these happen, are the responsibility of the student.

Not every Longwood course is offered each semester. So, it is the student's responsibility to consult the current course schedule prior to the advising session. Use the course schedule to create a semester schedule and at least two alternate schedules (this is particularly important for first-year students, who register last). Also, use the course schedule to check for potential time conflicts. Bring schedules to the advising session. Additionally, students are expected to keep a folder of their advising materials, including any notes they make, and bring these to each advising session.


Key Advising session

An important advising will occur in the first semester of the second-year student. During this session, the student will decide which of the two tracks she or he will pursue. Discussion about this important decision will have begun the prior semester, permitting the student time to consider his or her choice. This decision will determine the student's major and elective classes. The two tracks are Brand Identity and Media Design and Animation, Simulation, and Time-based Media Design.


When to file an Application for Graduation

Students must file an Application for Graduation with the Longwood Registrar as soon as they have earned 89 credits. Earned credits are defined as credits given in a class for which you have received a final grade. Failure to file automatically places a hold on the student's account. A hold prevents the student from registering for classes, which can compromise graduation. The hold is removed once the student files an Application for Graduation.