All students who enter the University of Iowa are assigned an academic advisor with expertise in their program of study.  Advisors at the Academic Advising Center advise students in declared majors in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences for their first 30 s.h., Open majors, students who are in ‘interest’ status and plan to apply to one of our other colleges, students in non-teacher licensure majors in the College of Education, and pre-professional students (pre-law and pre-health programs). As many entering students explore various majors, Academic Advising Center advisors are well-equipped to assist them throughout this exploration process.

Once students in declared majors in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences earn 30 s.h. they transition to an advisor in their major department.  Departmental advisors specialize in their respective fields, assisting students with graduation planning, connecting them with faculty, and supporting career exploration. Students who apply to and are admitted to another college will transition to that college's advising system upon acceptance.

Students who are directly admitted as first-year students to the colleges of Business, Education, Engineering, Nursing, Public Health, and Pharmacy and are advised by an advisor in their college.

Transfer students are assigned to an advisor based on their program of study and may be advised in one of the colleges below or the Academic Advising Center.

Students can find information about their academic advisor on their Advising page in MyUI.

Advising Definitions

Academic advising at the University of Iowa is a collaborative, relationship‑based process grounded in intentional, one‑on‑one partnerships between advisors and students. Through individualized advising relationships, advisors support students in clarifying educational goals, making meaning of their learning, and navigating the academic environment of a large and complex institution. Advising empowers students to engage in self-discovery, take ownership of academic decisions, and build confidence for academic and personal success.

Advising Unit Commttments

Academic advising units commit to:

  • Educating students on how advising is structured at the University of Iowa. This includes notifying students of their advising team and when they are assigned a new advisor.
  • Providing students access to their advisor within a timely manner via the MyUI Appointment Scheduler, and strive to provide private, accessible locations for advising appointments.
  • Facilitating a welcoming, supportive, and individualized advising experience that fosters open communication, trust, and approachability.
  • Communicating proactively regarding department, college, and university timelines, deadlines, and policies that affect their enrollment.    
  • Maintaining knowledge of campus resources and referring students to these resources as appropriate.
  • Learning from advisees about the student experience and advocating for policies and practices that promote student success.
  • Maintaining a system of advising that allows advisors the time to support students intentionally and holistically.
  • Supporting advisor learning through research-informed training and professional development, while fostering opportunities to collaborate and learn from the advising community locally, regionally, nationally, and globally.

Student Outcomes

As a result of academic advising, students will: 

  • Learn how to engage with their academic advisor(s) as an active partner in their educational experience. 
  • Explore academic programs that align with their interests, values, and abilities.
  • Develop the confidence and skill to plan and execute decisions related to their academic pursuits and post-graduate aspirations. 
  • Set and refine their academic and career goals. 
  • Use the advising tools available to them, including degree audit, Schedule Builder, Sample Plans, MyPlans, and the MyUI Advising Page.
  • Create a graduation plan in consultation their advisor(s).
  • Identify and navigate a variety of campus resources.
  • Understand university/collegiate policies relevant to their success.
  • Understand and manage transitional milestones.
  • Identify and participate in educationally meaningful co-curricular activities.