Academic Advising

First-Year Students

KSU believes the first year of a student’s college career is critical to their success. Therefore, First-Year students are required to meet with an academic advisor prior to registration each term. These meetings take place at the following points:

• Prior to or during an orientation session
• Prior to registering for the second and third semesters

First-Year & Undeclared Advising Services has a team of professional advisors who conduct the required advising sessions to discuss General Education Requirements, Registration for the second semester and, if appropriate, refer students with a determined major to the appropriate resources and departments for further academic advising.

Academic advising for the third semester will be conducted by professional academic advisors from First-Year & Undeclared Advising Services and/or by the advising contact for the student’s major. 

These efforts will help assist students as they progress through the first year, identify the major and move into the sophomore year.  The goal is help students make this progression in smooth and timely manner.

Transfer Students

Students transferring to KSU should quickly identify the appropriate academic advising contact and meet with an academic advisor prior to orientation or registration if they do not attend a transfer orientation session.

For information regarding transfer credit policies visit the Registrar’s Office web site at the main KSU web page. This site provides detailed information on transferability of coursework as well registration information, academic calendars, etc.

Registration

Students are advised in a small group setting during the orientation sessions.  After advising they register in computer labs across campus.  Advisors and student Orientation Leaders are present in the Registration Labs to assist students with the registration system. If possible, transfer students should contact their major department prior to orientation to determine advising procedures for that department.

Those who have not declared the major can seek advisement from First-Year & Undeclared Advising Services housed in Student Success Services.  Otherwise limited advising is available at the transfer orientation session prior to registration.  Advisors and student Orientation Leaders are present in the Registration Labs to assist students with the registration system.

Semester Hours

Advisors help students determine how many hours to register for the first semester.  Most full-time students will take 12-18 hours each semester.  For KSU, full-time undergraduate status is 12 hours and above. Part-time status is 11 hours and below.

Semester Schedule of Classes and Undergraduate Catalog

Each semester the schedule of classes is posted online at the Registrar’s web site.  During registration the schedule of classes in an interactive site which allows students to search and register for open classes.  The registration system is accessed via the KSU web page by going to the Owl Express link.

The KSU Undergraduate Catalog is also posted online at the Registrar’s web site.  The undergraduate catalog provides detailed information regarding KSU degree requirements and policies/procedures.  Students should become familiar with the catalog in effect when they enter KSU and should review future versions for program changes, additions, etc.