Academic Advising

University College serves as the primary academic advising center for all incoming students, as well as continuing, re-admitted, and transfer students with 30 earned credit hours or fewer.

Academic advisors in University College are dedicated to supporting students’ academic success by guiding degree planning, helping students understand academic policies and requirements, and connecting students to campus resources that foster persistence and timely graduation.

Advisor Assignment

All incoming students are assigned an academic advisor in University College based on their last name. Students receive an official email introducing them to their assigned advisor and outlining expectations for advising engagement.

Transfer Advising Structure

Dillard University provides a coordinated advising experience to ensure transfer students transition smoothly and receive appropriate academic guidance.

• All incoming transfer students have the opportunity to attend a transfer-specific advising workshop during the SOAR orientation period.
• Transfer students are assigned a University College advisor (based on last name) for their first semester.
• University College advisors and academic department advisors collaborate to ensure transfer coursework is accurately evaluated and applied toward degree requirements.
• Academic department advisors are listed as secondary advisors on transfer students’ records during the first term.
• At the conclusion of the first term, students receive an official email introducing them to their departmental advisor as advising responsibilities transition.

Upper-Class Advising

Academic advising for upper-class students (those with more than 30 earned credit hours) takes place within the student’s academic department.

• Departmental advisors can be identified in myDU.
• Students are required to meet with their assigned advisor each semester.
• An advising hold is placed on the student’s account and must be cleared by the advisor before the student is eligible to register for courses.

Academic Advising Learning Outcomes

Through participation in academic advising, students will be able to:

1. Understand degree requirements, academic policies, and university expectations.
2. Develop and follow an academic plan aligned with their educational and career goals.
3. Identify and utilize campus resources that support academic success and personal development.
4. Demonstrate responsibility for their academic progress by engaging with their advisor each semester.
5. Make informed decisions related to course selection, major exploration, and degree completion.

These outcomes guide advising practices across University College and academic departments and support the university’s commitment to student success, retention, and timely graduation.

Advising Transition Overview

To ensure continuity of support, academic advising follows a structured progression:

• Incoming & Transfer Students (0–30 credit hours):
  Advised through University College
• Transfer Students – First Semester:
  Primary advising through University College with departmental collaboration
• Upper-Class Students (31+ credit hours):
  Advised within the academic department

All Students:
Required to meet with an advisor each semester to remove advising holds and register for courses

CONTACT