Advising
Successful completion of an engineering degree requires that you make a series of informed decisions about your future. Advisors are here to help you make the best possible choices in order to help you achieve your educational goals. Academic advising is one of the most important services offered at KU. Advising is not just scheduling classes for the following semester. It also involves discussions about career goals and progressing towards academic and career success.
The advising process is a two way street. When you meet with an advisor you should have some idea of the requirements for your degree interest, bring appropriate resources and materials, be prepared to clarify your interests, abilities and goals and be prepared to ask questions.
Enrollment
Current KU students enroll for their courses twice per academic year. Enrollment for the Fall term begins in late March . Students planning to enroll will first need to meet with an advisor to have their Engineering Advising Hold released. Please review the Advising Procedures, below, for your degree program
When can students start enrolling in courses for Fall 2012?
Students should check online in their Student Services Center to see when their “enrollment appointment” is scheduled. First, logon to Enroll & Pay with your online ID and password. Click on the Enrollment Dates link below the Student Center menu. This is the time the Registrar’s Office allows you to log in to Enroll & Pay and enroll in your classes. You can also access hold information that has been placed on your record. Any holds (advising, parking, library, immunization, etc.) will need to be cleared before you will be permitted to enroll.
Enrollment appointments are scheduled on a staggered basis based on your level: Generally, seniors are first, then juniors, sophomores, and finally freshman. You have up until the start of the next semester to make changes to your schedule, but remember, classes will fill up quickly. Students who have gone through advising can begin enrollment on this schedule: Honors students and student athletes — March 29
- Honors students and student athletes — March 29
- Seniors (90+ hrs) — April 3
- Juniors (60-89 hrs) — April 6
- Sophomores (30-59 hrs) — April 11
- Freshman (0-29 hrs) — April 17
Advising Procedures
Aerospace Engineering
Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Engineering
Civil Engineering and Architectural Engineering
Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering and Computer Science
Engineering Physics
Mechanical Engineering
Undecided Engineering
Frequently Asked Questions for Advising
Q: What is the “Engineering Advising Hold” that appeared on my record? Why do I have it?
A: The School of Engineering has a mandator advising policy. This means that you will be required to meet with your assigned adviser each semester before you are allowed to enroll in classes. The School of Engineering requires advising each semester to ensure you stay on track for graduation. Advising is your opportunity to connect with a mentor in your field. Use this resource.
Q: How do I find out who my assigned adviser is?
A: Contact your department office. The administrative assistants in each area have a list of adviser assignments for each student. Undecided students should come to the Dean’s Office for advising.
Q: Where is my department office?
A:
- Aerospace – 2120 Learned
- Architectural or Civil – 2150 Learned
- Chemical or Petroleum - 4132 Learned
- Electrical, Computer Engineering or Computer Science – 2001 Eaton
- Engineering Physics – 1082 Malott
- Mechanical – 3138 Learned
- Undecided – 1 Eaton
Q: How do I set up an advising appointment?
A: Contact your department office. Each department does it a little differently, some have you sign up with an adviser outside their door, while others will have you come for a group session. There are specific dates for advising, so plan ahead to get your appointment time set up.
Q: What will happen at my advising appointment?
A: You will discuss the courses that you need to take for the upcoming session. In addition, you can ask questions about the field of engineering you are going into, about internships, and any struggles you are having with your current classes.
Q: How do I get my hold released?
A: The department assistants (or sometimes select faculty) will release your hold after your appointment. This can sometimes take a day or so, so you must plan ahead.
Q: When do I enroll?
A: You need to log into Enroll & Pay and look at your "appointment time" in the student center. This day and time is your first opportunity to enroll in classes. You have up until the start of the next semester to make changes to your schedule, but remember, classes will fill up quickly.
Q: I’ve had my advising appointment and hold released, but I’m having trouble getting into a class I need. What do I do?
A: First, you need to go to the department offering the course (Math department for MATH, Civil Engineering for CE, etc.). Often, departments just need to open up a few more spots. If you have trouble getting the classes you need, come to the Dean’s Office for help.
Q: What if I don’t like my adviser?
A: Often, you’ll need to stick with this person. The world is full of different personalities and a big part of the field of engineering is working well in groups and adapting to overcome challenges. Your assigned adviser might not be your favorite professor, but you should try to approach the situation as a professional. Occasionally, a change can be made. See your departmental office for help.
Q: What do I need to do for advising?
A: Students need to review their curriculum guide or undergraduate catalog before the appointment. You should have a good idea what you think you need to take. Look at the spring 2010 schedule online at www.classes.ku.edu to see when things are offered. If it looks like there are conflicts, be prepared to ask about this. Come to this meeting with a list of what you’d like to take, and a list of questions for your adviser. Most importantly, be on time.
Q: I just changed my major or I want to change major, who do I meet with?
A: Contact the department that you are changing into for advising. You’ll need to let the administrative assistant know that you have recently changed your major so they can request your admission materials from the Dean’s Office. If you haven’t yet completed the paperwork, you can do so in the Dean’s Office.
Q: I want to plan ahead, when is advising each semester?
A: Advising is always right after fall break and spring break each semester. The Registrar’s Office publishes the classes that will be offered around this time each year to www.classes.ku.edu.
Q: I want to talk about more than just next semester. I’d like to make a plan to graduate. How do I this?
A: During the main advising time of each semester it can be tough for the offices to see all of the students. Do your upcoming semester planning with your adviser during the regular advising session, and then ask when you could come back to do more planning for future semesters.
Q: I just met with my adviser, and he/she says that I have an error on my ARTS form. What do I do?
A: There is a “Report ARTS Error” form that you can fill out. These errors will be reviewed in about 2 weeks and corrected if needed. You need to come to the Dean’s Office to fill out this form.
Q: I want to take courses at another school this summer to transfer back. How do I do this?
A: You need to first identify the course you want to take and where you want to take it. Then, you’ll want to use the University’s credit transfer systemto see if KU will accept the course. If KU will accept the course, your next step is to complete a Tentative Evaluation of Credit(TEC) form in the Dean’s Office. The Director of Academic Services will check the course to make sure it meets your degree requirements. If approved, hold onto the TEC until you return to KU as your proof that the course will transfer. After you’ve completed the course, you need to have your official transcript (with grade) sent to KU’s Office of Admissions so it can be put on your record.

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