Academic Advising

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why should I see an Academic Advisor?

  • To officially declare your major, minor, and program of study
  • Ensure you are taking the appropriate courses to graduate in a timely manner
  • Develop educational plan and set goals
  • Help you navigate UAH - from academic resources to student engagement
  • Discuss how to connect your academic program with career goals

• When can I see an Academic Advisor?

  • You can make an appointment with an Academic Advisor Monday through Friday, 8:15 AM-5:00 PM in Morton Hall, Room 131 by using the links above.
  • Students should be specific about the nature of their appointment to ensure the best possible assistance and guidance from their Advisors.
  • Are you a NEW Student? You can make appointments too! We encourage new students to schedule appointments with an Academic Advisor AFTER their acceptance to UAH. All new students are required to complete New Student Orientation. If you are a prospective student looking to visit campus, please schedule a campus visit with the Office of Admissions.
  We encourage all students to meet with their Academic Advisor at least once a year.

• What should I be doing to help with my Academic Advising?

  • Schedule regular appointments (and be on time). Ask questions! Let us know if you have questions about your major, course load, and anything you may not understand about your UAH degree program.
  • Utilize Degree Works regularly. Wondering what you have left for your program? This online software through your MyUAH account will clearly show your progress and give recommendations on what classes to take next term.
  • Observe academic deadlines and know when to register, drop/add, or withdraw.
  • Keep us informed! Changing your major? Have a situation that disrupts your ability to complete classes? Let us know.
  • Ask for help EARLY! We want to help, if you are struggling with your coursework, please let us know.

• What if I am a Pre-Professional, Pre-Law, or Honors College Student too?

  To help ensure you are meeting all of your graduation and pre-professional requirements, we encourage you to meet with your specialized advisors.

  • Pre-Professional, Heather Whitaker
  • Pre-Law, Dr. John Harfouch
  • Honors College, Eirian Waldron

• What does a “4-year” graduation plan include?

  Students should consider the following “milestones” as they progress at UAH in order to stay on track to graduate in a timely manner.

  • Freshman Year
    • Declaring a major
    • Successfully completing the First Year Experience (FYE) course
  • Sophomore Year
    • Declaring a minor by the end of the 1st semester of sophomore year
    • Applying and completing an experiential learning experience - including studying abroad, internships, co-ops, or research
  • Junior Year
    • Checking in with your Academic Advisors during the spring semester to ensure you are on track to graduate
    • Continue to build your resume through internships, co-ops, or research
  • Senior Year
    • Requesting a Degree Audit
    • Applying to Graduate (February 1 for Summer Graduation, June 1 for a Fall Graduation, September 1 for a Spring Graduation). Students can apply 1-3 semesters prior to the deadlines listed and their expected graduate date.

• How can I change my Major or Minor?

  • If you want to change your Major and will be moving into another College, you can do so by filling out the Change of College Form. For students wanting to change their major, minor, or add a certificate within CAHS, please schedule an appointment with an Advisor in your new major to discuss and update.

• I’m thinking about dropping a class. Will this affect my Financial Aid? What’s the difference between dropping and withdrawing from a class?

  • Adding/dropping classes can be completed to a certain date and time each calendar year (see Academic Calendar). Adding and dropping classes can affect your financial aid and your university bill, we encourage you to consult Financial Aid.
  • If you drop a class before the drop date, it will not appear on your transcript, and you will get a refund. Please always consult your academic advisor and Financial Aid before dropping a course.
  • If you withdraw from a class, meaning you remove yourself from the course after the last add/drop date, it will appear as a W (withdrawal) on your transcript. Please always consult your academic advisor and Financial Aid before withdrawing from a course.

Internship & Career Advising

All CAHS students seeking assistance with career exploration, interview preparation, internship & job searches, or resume feedback are encouraged to schedule an appointment with Nicole McDavid, CAHS Internship & Career Coordinator. 

Ms. Nicole McDavid
Internship & Career Coordinator
Morton Hall 131
256.824.5325
cahs-careers@uah.edu

Visit the CAHS Internship & Career site for additional information. 

Helpful Information