Academic Advising

Advisors
Degree-seeking undergraduate students are expected to have academic advisors at all times.  If an advisor is needed, one will be assigned by the Office of Academic Advising (253.879.3650).  Advisor permission codes are required for fall and spring registration of undergraduates.  Although advisor permission codes are not required for summer registration, consultation with the advisor is recommended.

In the event of the temporary unavailability of the assigned advisor, first consult with the department chair.  If the chair is not available, the advisor permission codes may be obtained from the director of Academic Advising.  It is then the student’s responsibility to inform the assigned advisor of the action.

Change of Advisor
To secure a new advisor, the student should complete a “Change of Advisor/Major” form in the Office of Academic Advising.  A student may also request a new advisor online through Cascade web.

Declaring a Major
A student who has 12 or more units is expected to declare a major and be assigned to an academic advisor in the major department.  A student is required to have an advisor in the department of his or her major.  Students have the option of selecting a secondary advisor to assist in planning for minors, special programs, or other academic matters.  A secondary advisor is not required and in many cases may not be necessary.  If a student has more than one major, however, the student is required to have a secondary advisor in each additional major.

A student with fewer than 12 units may declare a major.  Consultation with the director of Academic Advising is recommended but not required for such students.

To declare or change a major the student may either complete a “Change of Advisor/Major” form in the Office of Academic Advising or the Office of the Registrar or enter a change online through Cascade web.  When a student selects a major, he or she may either choose a new advisor in the discipline of choice or request that a new advisor be assigned.  A student may have more than one advisor, as in the case of double majors, for example, but only the student’s primary advisor may approve registration for classes. 

Declaring a Minor
Academic minors may be declared either in the Office of Academic Advising or through Cascade web.  Students pursuing minors are urged to consult with a faculty member in the minor area to insure appropriate course selection.