Make the Most of Your Time
Share your goals for the meeting. Tell your advisor the purpose of your visit (i.e. course planning, research opportunities, graduate school preparation, etc.) so they can prepare and help you effectively with your goals.
Prepare a list of questions and concerns. Before your appointment, jot down your questions in a notes app or document.
Keep important files organized and accessible. Maintain a dedicated folder for advising‑related documents and bring your device to the appointment. Your folder should include materials that matter to you, such as:
- Important academic dates (e.g., deadlines to drop a class, your early registration window).
- Any worksheets, plans or checklists you’ve worked on with your advisor—make sure each file includes the date it was last updated.
- Your current degree audit, if available.
- A current resume that includes your completed courses, skills and extracurricular experiences.
Personal Scheduling Considerations
Consider your personal commitments. Take stock of responsibilities outside the classroom (i.e. work hours, practice schedules, family obligations or involvement in student organizations).
Pay attention to your energy patterns. Think about when you’re most alert and when you tend to lose focus. If possible, schedule classes during times of day when you learn best, and avoid time slots you know aren’t a good fit for you.
Identify classes that must be scheduled first. Some courses are only offered at specific times or during certain semesters. Prioritize these classes and build the rest of your schedule around them.
Use peers as one source–not the only source–of insight. Friends can share helpful perspectives about instructors, teaching styles and course formats.
Look beyond the course title. Read full course descriptions and pay attention to prerequisites, required corequisites and notes about course format or workload.
Map out your campus logistics. Consider the distance between buildings when scheduling back‑to‑back classes to ensure you have the appropriate time to get to each class.
Double‑check your schedule before the semester starts. Room locations, instructors and course attributes (like Writing Intensive status) can change after you register. Always review your most up‑to‑date schedule in myZou to avoid first‑day confusion.
Class Schedule and Registration Appointments
Know your registration date and plan ahead. Check the earliest date and time you’re eligible to register in the myZou Student Center under Manage Classes. Select Enrollment → Enrollment Dates, then choose the correct term. Meet with your advisor well before your registration window opens so you have time to finalize your plans.
Check for holds that may prevent registration. In the Notifications tile of your myZou Student Center, go to Holds to see if anything is blocking your ability to register. Take care of holds as soon as possible as many require action from you before you can enroll in classes.
Create a list of possible courses. Before your appointment, compile a list of courses you’re considering. Base your list on your degree requirements, academic interests and long‑term goals.
Questions for Your Advisor
Ask which courses are required for your major. Each major has its own specific requirements
Find out what course options fulfill the same requirement. Many requirements can be met through multiple classes. Ask your advisor which tools or planning resources you should use to explore these options.
Clarify any credit limits that may affect your degree. Some programs limit how many skill‑based credits, applied courses, transfer hours or S/U (pass/fail) courses can count toward graduation.
Confirm how each course applies to your degree. Is a class counting as an elective, a major requirement or an upper‑level humanities credit?
Ask about duplicate credit rules. If you earned dual credit, AP/IB credit or transfer credit, check whether any of your planned courses overlap so you don’t take the same class twice.
Review course prerequisites carefully. Before registering, ask your advisor to help confirm you’ve completed (or are completing) the prerequisites listed in the course description.
Verify Writing Intensive (WI) designations. WI status can change before the semester begins. Ask your advisor how to check your class schedule in myZou so you always have the most up‑to‑date information.
Check for schedule updates. The Schedule of Courses is updated frequently. Ask your advisor how often you should check for new sections, cancellations or changes.