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Preparing for Your Advising Appointment

Meeting with your Academic Advisor can be one of the most enriching experiences as you continue on your academic journey. While different advisor approach advising in their own unique ways, the quality of the interaction is important to both students and advisor. The items on this checklist are provided to ensure that you can get the most out of your advising appointments and that those conversations are productive and impactful.

  • Submit Form: Request Approval to Register

    The first step in preparing to meet with your advisor is to Submit the "Request Approval to Registrar" Etrieve Form. Recall that Etrieve can be accessed from the Microsoft 360 MyApp page.

    The intent of this form is to initiate a process in which advisee and advisor meet in a one-on-one setting to discuss the academic plan and goals of the student. The process of the form is only to facilitate how these conversation are planned. The form itself is not intended to replace the personal conversation inherent in academic advising but can be used as a tool to communicate.

  • Schedule Your Appointment

    When you submit the "Request Approval to Register" Etrieve form, your Advisor will be notified that you have made the initial request to be approved to register. It is good practice to also follow up with your advisor directly to schedule a meeting with them to discuss your academic plan.

    Be proactive and schedule early to avoid any last minute issues that may prevent you from registering during your registration window.

  • Consider your Academic Goals

    It’s best to have a clear idea of what you hope to accomplish when speaking with your advisor. Do you need more information about a program or major requirement? What questions do you have? What should your advisor know about your current semester and what’s happening in and out of the classroom that may impact your academic progress?

    Write down your questions, concerns, and goals prior to the appointment.

  • Prepare Your Proposed Schedule

    Use the "My Progress" report in Self-Service to determine which courses you still need to complete for your major, minor, or for the Linfield Curriculum or other degree requirements. Please see the tutorial video for help in how to use the My Progress Tools (coming soon!).

    Once you have a good idea of the courses you should be taking, review the upcoming list of course offerings in Self-Service. Use the Self-Service "Plan and Schedule" to draft your proposed course schedule and put the courses in your planned section in Self-Service. These courses will show up on your Calendar view.

    Bring your Progress Reports, and a copy of your planned sections, along with any other academic planning records, to your advising appointment. Refer to the course catalog to receive in-depth information about courses you are wanting to take.

  • Consider Online Coursework

    Taking Online courses can be an effective part of a student's academic plan. If you are a student who thrives in an online learning environment, taking an online course may be appropriate for you.

    McMinnville and some Portland students are permitted to enroll in one Linfield Online and Continuing Education (OCE) course per semester. Students can add one OCE course by completing the Add/Drop/Withdraw form in Etrieve (Via Microsoft My Apps) and waiting for approval.

    Students can also take classes at another accredited institution and request a transfer approval so that the course can count towards your Linfield degree. To determine how a class will transfer to Linfield before registering for summer term at another institution, refer to the Transfer Equivalency Database and/or complete Transfer Course Approval form and submit it to the Registrar's Office. Make sure to include a copy of a printed course description.

  • Know When You Can Register

    Your registration time is based on your number of completed credits (not including credits in progress). Review the registration schedule to find out when you may begin registering.

    You will know whether your Advisor has approved you to register if the Advisor Flag in Self-Service has been removed.

    You will also need to make sure to resolve any additional holds prior to registration. Holds are intended to highlight your need to take certain action based on the type of hold you may have. If you are unsure why you have a hold, follow the directions indicated on the hold to learn which office to contact. Please contact Academic Advising if you have any questions about a hold and we can help you determine your next steps.