Tips for First-year Students
Welcome to the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts and to the resources of the Academic Advising Center. We realize that you have made a big decision in choosing this campus and this College. It is a choice you have undertaken in the hope of accomplishing some specific goals that could best be achieved in this setting. The role of the Academic Advising Center is to assist you in making a smooth transition from high school to your new academic home; to introduce you to the resources available on this campus; and to help you plan effective strategies toward the fulfillment of those aspirations that led you to the University of Michigan.
One of your first tasks will be to learn how things work in LS&A and on this campus - the policies, procedures, and deadlines. (It's learning how to be "street smart" in this new setting.) To avoid pitfalls and to discover the best experiences, you should work closely with an academic advisor. That person will help you be certain that you understand all the possibilities available to you as well as any limitations defined by LS&A requirements and procedures.Appointments with general advisors are made in 1255 Angell Hall.
Appointments with pre-professional advisors in architecture, business, education, engineering, law, and medicine may also be made here. The office has a list of phone numbers for making concentration appointments.
RESOURCES There are many sources of information and assistance available on campus through various offices and the specific departments. The Academic Advising Center and the departments offering the classes you are interested in and your instructors are obvious and primary sources of advice and information. But there are some other excellent resources that may not be as obvious to you.
Most residence halls have an academic advisor from our office who keeps regular advising hours in the building. This person is an excellent, convenient resource to consult. These advisors can also be reached easily and confidentially through the University's e-mail system.
All residence halls have Resident Directors, Resident Advisors, and Multicultural Peer Advisors who, as experienced students, can direct you to appropriate sources of information, experience, and assistance. The residence halls also have libraries and library staff who can help you learn all about the many different research facilities available to you and how to use them. You will also find a variety of special programs and services in the halls - computer classes, study skills sessions, computer equipment, and much more.
The Academic Advising Center has a staff of Peer Academic Advisors who are trained to answer quick questions about policies, degree requirements, deadlines, and campus resources. They are available on a walk-in basis.
LS&A Academic Information and Publications operates both a phone- and computer-based information service to provide answers to policy and procedural questions as well as open and closed course information. Feel free to call this academic information office at POINT-10 (764-6810).
You will find that many departments operate a variety of special services to support your studies and academic interests. For instance, the Math Department operates the Math Lab where students can seek individualized help with problems and concepts; the English Composition Board has its Writers' Workshop where you can get advice about the progress and quality of any writing project you are working on.
A NEW START We take great pleasure in welcoming each year's group of first-year students. This is an exciting transition from one phase of your educational career to the next. Remember that the role of your academic advisor is to help you accomplish your goals here.
Best wishes in your newest academic undertaking.
Virginia J. Reese, A.M.L.S.
Associate Director, First-Year Advising
LS&A Academic Advising Center