Undergraduate Academic Advising

Academic Advising Philosophy 

Academic advising is a relational practice and an ongoing conversation in which advisors provide meaningful guidance, timely intervention, and intentional resources to support a student’s degree progression and completion. Through sustained dialogue over time, academic advising helps students make meaning of their higher education experience—aligning educational pathways with career goals while supporting their ability to navigate institutional systems with clarity and confidence. 

Academic advising fosters intellectual growth, personal development, and a lifelong capacity for learning, purpose, and contribution. 

Purpose of Academic Advising

At Texas State, academic advising is a relational, developmental, and student-centered partnership grounded in teaching and learning. It is experienced as an ongoing conversation between students and academic advisors, where each interaction builds upon the last to deepen understanding, clarify direction, and support progress. 

Academic advising engages students as active participants in their educational journey—supporting them in exploring pathways, refining goals, and making informed decisions that align with their identities, aspirations, and evolving sense of purpose. 

Academic advising extends beyond course selection. It is a holistic and proactive process that promotes academic progress, career readiness, and personal growth while recognizing the unique backgrounds, experiences, and strengths students bring to the university. 

Through intentional and sustained engagement, academic advising contributes to student persistence, timely degree completion, and post-graduate success, while cultivating agency, confidence, and a sense of belonging. 

Academic Advising Assignment and Engagement Expectations 

Each undergraduate student is assigned either an academic advisor or an academic advising center of record based on their college. This assignment ensures students have a clear point of contact for guidance throughout their academic journey. 

Students are expected to engage regularly with academic advising to support their success. At a minimum, students should meet with an academic advisor: 

  • Once per long semester (fall and spring) 
  • More frequently during key academic milestones (e.g., major exploration, pre-registration, academic difficulty, graduation planning) 

Academic advising is most effective when it is ongoing and proactive, rather than limited to registration periods. 

The Academic Advising Partnership 

Academic advising is a shared, collaborative responsibility built on mutual respect, trust, and engagement. Both students and academic advisors contribute to a meaningful and effective academic advising experience. 

Student Responsibilities 

Students are active agents in their educational journey. As such, they are expected to: 

  • Reflect on and articulate their values, interests, strengths, and goals 
  • Engage proactively by scheduling and preparing for academic advising interactions 
  • Utilize academic advising tools (e.g., degree audit) to monitor progress and inform decisions 
  • Monitor and respond to academic advisor outreach and academic advising communications in a timely manner 
  • Review important updates related to academic advising, registration, and academic progress 
  • Take initiative in scheduling appointments when prompted or when support is needed 
  • Participate fully by asking questions, seeking clarity, and exploring options 
  • Take ownership of their decisions and follow through on plans and commitments 
  • Remain informed of and adhere to university policies, requirements, and deadlines 
  • Seek out opportunities that support their academic, personal, and professional growth 
  • Apply for graduation and complete degree requirements in a timely manner 

Academic Advisor Responsibilities 

Academic advisors serve as educators, guides, and advocates who: 

  • Foster a welcoming, student-centered environment 
  • Engage students in meaningful dialogue that promotes reflection, growth, and decision-making 
  • Provide meaningful guidance, timely intervention, and intentional resources aligned with students’ goals 
  • Support students in connecting their academic experiences to personal and career aspirations 
  • Provide accurate, timely, and transparent information about curriculum, policies, and pathways 
  • Use proactive and responsive strategies to support academic success and address barriers 
  • Encourage critical thinking, self-authorship, and student agency 
  • Connect students to campus resources and collaborate with institutional partners 
  • Uphold ethical standards, including confidentiality (FERPA) 
  • Continuously develop professionally to enhance academic advising practice and student outcomes 

Academic Advising Centers 

Applied Arts Advising  

Agriculture Building, Room 201 

Phone: 512-245-1490 

Email: appliedartsadvising@txstate.edu  

Business Advising Center 

McCoy Hall, Room 115 

Phone: 512-245-1993 

Email: businessadvising@txstate.edu 

Education Advising  

Education Building, Room 2143 

Phone: 512-245-3050 

Email: eduadvising@txstate.edu  

Exploratory Advising (Exploratory & Pre-Business) 

Trauth-Huffman Hall, Room 120 

Phone: 512-245-2218 

Email: uadvising@txstate.edu 

Fine Arts and Communication Advising  

Old Main, Room 118 

Phone: 512-245-1932 

Email: CFACadvising@txstate.edu  

Health Professions Advising  

Encino Hall, Room 302 

Phone: 512-245-3506 

Email: hpadvising@txstate.edu  

Liberal Arts Advising Center 

Flowers Hall, Room 322 

Phone: 512-245-1852 

Email: laadvising@txstate.edu  

Science and Engineering Advising Center 

Centennial Hall, Room 202 

Phone: 512-245-1315 

Email: scienceadvising@txstate.edu

Change of Degree Plan

Selecting or changing a major, minor, concentration, or certification is an important part of a student’s academic journey and is best approached as part of an ongoing conversation with an academic advisor. Students are expected to engage proactively with their assigned academic advisor or academic advising center of record when considering any curriculum changes. Students can research options, utilize degree planning tools, and schedule an appointment to discuss the decision in detail to ensure alignment with their academic trajectory and future goals. 

Through this process, students are encouraged to make informed decisions that reflect their interests, abilities, values, and evolving aspirations. Students should also understand that changes to their degree plan may have implications for financial aid, tuition, and time to graduation, and should be discussed with an academic advisor as part of the decision-making process. 

Helpful Resources

  • Degree Planning Resources 
    • Browse the Undergraduate Catalog for Texas State majors, minors, and their requirements.  
    • Major Maps are a comprehensive plan that highlights co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities to help students explore the major, reflect on relevant careers, and gain practical experience. 
    • Degree Works is an academic planning tool that allows you to be in control of your progress toward completing degree requirements at Texas State University. You and your advisor can view your degree audit, plan future coursework, and explore alternate program possibilities. 
  • Academic Advising Partners 
    • Career Services is available to help you research majors, study your options, and plan and implement your professional future.  
    • TXST One Stop can assist with any questions you may have related to the impacts a change of degree plan can have on your financial aid package.   
    • The Office of Veterans Affairs at Texas State University assists veterans in pursuing their educational, professional, or vocational objectives. They are available to answer questions concerning veteran educational benefits, certify enrollments for the Department of Veterans Affairs, and monitor students' degree plans and academic progress.  
  • Degree Completion Policies