How to Schedule and Prepare for an ASU Advising Appointment

What to expect from an ASU advising appointment

An ASU advising appointment is a one-on-one meeting with an academic advisor at Arizona State University who reviews your degree progress, helps you choose courses for the next term, and answers questions about major requirements, graduation timelines, and academic policies. The advisor works from your transcript and degree audit—a document that shows which requirements you've completed and which remain—and can discuss changes to your major, course substitutions, or concerns about your academic standing.

Most appointments last 20 to 30 minutes and happen either in person at your college's advising office or online through Zoom. Some colleges at ASU also offer walk-in hours for quick questions, though scheduling ahead guarantees you a time slot and gives the advisor time to pull your file.

Key Takeaways

• Schedule your appointment through My ASU or by contacting your college's advising office directly; the method depends on which college you're in.
• Bring your degree audit, a list of courses you're considering, and any questions about requirements or your major so the advisor can help you efficiently.
• Advisors cannot override grades or change policies on their own, but they can explain your options if you're struggling academically or considering a major change.
• If you miss your appointment, contact your advising office as soon as possible to reschedule, since some colleges have policies about no-shows.

How to schedule an appointment at your college

The scheduling process varies by college within ASU. Most colleges use an online booking system accessible through My ASU (the student portal), where you can see available time slots and choose one that fits your schedule. Log in to My ASU, navigate to your college's advising section, and look for a link to schedule or view appointments.

If you cannot find the booking system or prefer to schedule by phone or email, contact your college's advising office directly. The office phone number and email are listed on your college's website under "Academic Advising" or "Student Services." When you call or email, have your ASU ID number ready and mention whether you prefer an in-person or online appointment.

Some colleges also hold group advising sessions at the start of each term, particularly for first-year students or students in large majors. These sessions cover general information about registration and deadlines but are not a substitute for a one-on-one appointment if you have specific questions about your degree plan.

What to bring and prepare before your appointment

Before you meet with your advisor, pull up your degree audit in My ASU. This document shows your completed courses, which requirements they satisfy, and which degree requirements you still need to finish. Review it for any courses you think might be missing or any questions about how a course counted toward your major.

Make a short list of courses you're thinking about taking next term, including course numbers and meeting times if you have preferences. If you're unsure what to take, write down your questions—for example, "What math class should I take next?" or "Can I take these two courses at the same time?"—so the advisor can guide you through the options.

If you're considering changing your major, switching colleges within ASU, or have concerns about your GPA or academic standing, mention this when you schedule so the advisor can prepare. Bring your ASU ID or student number to the appointment, and if you're meeting in person, arrive a few minutes early to check in at the advising office.

What advisors can and cannot do

Academic advisors can help you understand degree requirements, plan your course schedule, discuss major changes, explain academic policies, and point you toward resources like tutoring or disability services. They can also discuss your academic progress and help you understand what happens if your GPA falls below the required level for your major.

Advisors cannot change your grades, override a prerequisite, or waive a degree requirement on their own. If you need an exception—for example, if you want to take a course without meeting the prerequisite or need a course substitution approved—the advisor will tell you who to contact (usually the department chair or college dean) and what documentation you'll need to submit. They also cannot make decisions about financial aid, housing, or disciplinary matters; those go through separate offices.

Rescheduling or canceling your appointment

If you need to cancel or reschedule, do so through My ASU if you booked online, or contact your college's advising office by phone or email as soon as you know you cannot make it. Canceling ahead of time is important because some colleges track no-shows and may limit future scheduling if you miss appointments without notice.

If you miss an appointment without canceling, call the advising office the same day or the next morning to reschedule and explain what happened. Most advisors understand that life gets in the way, but repeated no-shows can affect your ability to book appointments during busy registration periods.

When to schedule your appointment

Schedule your advising appointment before registration opens for the next term. ASU typically opens registration in phases based on your class standing and credit hours completed, and your advisor needs to clear your registration hold (if you have one) before you can register. Registration holds are common and are lifted once you've met with an advisor.

The busiest times for advising are the weeks just before registration opens and during the first week of each term. If you schedule early—two to three weeks before registration—you're more likely to get a time slot that works for you. If registration is already open and you haven't met with an advisor yet, contact your college immediately, as some advisors can do expedited appointments or phone consultations.

What to do if you're struggling academically

If your GPA is low, you're on academic probation, or you're worried about failing a course, schedule an appointment right away. Your advisor can explain what academic probation means at ASU, what GPA you need to get off probation, and what happens if you don't meet that target. They can also discuss whether dropping a course, taking a reduced course load, or changing your major might be the right move for your situation.

During the appointment, ask about tutoring services, writing centers, and counseling resources available to ASU students. Your advisor can also refer you to the Dean of Students office if you're dealing with personal or financial hardship that's affecting your schoolwork, as that office can sometimes connect you with emergency resources or academic accommodations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to register for classes?

Most ASU students need to meet with an advisor before registration opens, and the system will place a registration hold on your account until you do. Some students—such as those in certain honors programs or with high GPAs—may not have a hold, but meeting with an advisor before registering is still recommended so you can discuss your course plan.

Can I meet with an advisor from a different college?

No. You must meet with an advisor from your own college because they know your specific degree requirements and policies. If you're thinking about switching colleges, your current advisor can explain the process and connect you with an advisor in the college you're considering.

What if I have a question that my advisor cannot answer?

Your advisor will direct you to the right office or person. For example, if your question is about financial aid, they'll send you to the Financial Aid office; if it's about a course prerequisite exception, they'll tell you to contact the department. Advisors are trained to know who handles what, so you won't be left hanging.

Can I do my advising appointment over the phone or email instead of in person?

Most colleges offer online appointments through Zoom, and some may do phone consultations if you request it when you schedule. Email is not usually an option for a full advising appointment because the advisor needs to see your degree audit and discuss your specific situation, but you can email quick questions to your advising office between appointments.

What happens if I register without meeting with an advisor?

If you have a registration hold, you won't be able to register until you meet with an advisor and the hold is cleared. If you don't have a hold but register without advising, you risk choosing courses that don't count toward your degree, missing prerequisites, or overloading your schedule. Meeting with an advisor first saves you time and keeps you on track.