Schmid Gate at Chapman University
Academic Advising

ยป Welcome Parents and Guardians!

As part of the Chapman family we feel that it is important for you to understand the role of the Academic Advising Center (AAC) in your student’s experience at Chapman. Throughout this page you will find helpful information designed to answer most commonly asked questions.


How does Advising work at Chapman?

The mission of the Academic Advising Center is to cultivate an educational partnership with students, guiding and supporting them toward the development and achievement of their academic goals.

  • All undergraduate students have a dedicated Academic Advisor in the Academic Advising Center (AAC) once they matriculate at Chapman.
  • AAC advisors are not assigned to students in their student center. Students can find their advisor's contact information here.
  • In addition to their AAC Academic Advisor, all undergraduate students are also assigned a Program Advisor within their major department. The program advisor will be a faculty member within the student's department who will be able to assist students with major-specific questions and requirements.
  • Students can visit the Academic Advising homepage to learn more about our advising services.
  • Major and minor department program advisors can be found by visiting our Program Advising Portal.
  • All undeclared students have an assigned AAC Academic Advisor and receive support with the major exploration process.
  • It is important for students to meet with both their academic advisor and their program advisor each semester to review their academic plan and to make sure that everything is on track. It is highly recommended that students meet with their advisors well in advance of their registration appointment date.

What should my student know about scheduling an appointment?

  • It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with the Academic Advising Center. 
  • Please visit our appointment website for more information on scheduling an appointment.
  • During the fall and spring semesters, we offer in-person and virtual walk-in hours for quick questions every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at specific times. Please visit the walk-ins website for more information. Walk-ins provide students three days during the week where they have the opportunity to drop in to speak with an academic advisor and get their quick questions answered.
  • Student appointments must be scheduled by the student and cannot be scheduled by a parent or guardian.
  • While we welcome parents that accompany their student to an appointment, we cannot meet with a parent without the student present.
  • Academic Advisors are booked in advance so appointments cannot be scheduled on the same day.
  • Students should be aware that during peak times (during registration in April and November), there will likely be a longer wait for an appointment so they should plan accordingly.
  • The Academic Advising Center's late policy for appointments is strictly enforced, so students should be sure to attend their scheduled appointment on time. Otherwise, the appointment will have to be rescheduled.

How will students communicate with their advisors?

How can I best support my student?

  • Encourage appointments to meet with their advisors each semester well in advance of their registration appointment date.
  • Ask students to keep notes regarding what was discussed during their appointments.
  • Maintain an open dialogue with your student.
  • If a student has any issues or concerns, refer the student to campus resources to encourage self-sufficiency.
  • Student/Advisor Responsibilities
  • Responsibilities of the Professional Advisor (AAC) and the Advisee

    The relationship between advisor and advisee is one of shared responsibility.  Although your student is ultimately responsible for the choices they make in college, we realize that in order to make informed decisions, students need the mentoring and advice of Academic Advisors and others in the Chapman community.  Academic Advisors are the primary resources regarding academic issues, opportunities and programs, and can be thought of as coordinators in your student’s educational experience.

    What students can expect from their advisor:

    • To clarify University policies, regulations, programs and procedures about which they have questions
    • To offer advice on selecting non-major/minor specific courses and to assist in developing an academic plan that satisfies degree requirements and complements student’s personal and professional interests
    • To maintain professional integrity, confidentiality, respect, and sensitivity in advising
    • To be knowledgeable about and refer to appropriate campus resources and services
    • To maintain currency in advising trends and techniques through professional development

    What the advisor expects from students:

    • To take the initiative to contact their advisor
    • To keep advising appointments and arrive on time
    • To be prepared for the advising appointment - know their ID number, have a list of questions, and bring tentative course schedule (if registering for courses)
    • To be familiar with the University catalog and know how to use their program evaluation to effectively track their degree progress.
    • To observe academic deadlines
    • To follow through with referrals made by their advisor
    • To maintain a personal academic file or notes and copies of forms submitted for processing

Confidentiality/FERPA


How do I obtain information about my student?

Because of the mandates cited in The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), all university officials are legally prevented from giving out any information about any student, despite tuition involvement from parents.

Commonly Used Resources


How does my student identify their advisors?

Academic advisors, program advisors, faculty mentors, and specialized advising.

Business Office

Tuition, billing, fees, etc.

Financial Aid

Loans, grants, scholarships, work-study

Office of the Registrar

Student record management, transfer course articulation, university forms

Parent and Family Website

Dates, deadlines and additional resources