Academic Advising

Graduate and Professional Undergraduate Student Advising

Students in professional undergraduate programs or pursuing a graduate degree are primarily provided advising and degree completion support through the respective academic departments. Support staff from the departments communicate with students to provide registration details, department deadlines, and other information that promotes student success. Faculty provide mentorship, degree guidance, and career preparation in the field of study to ensure that students are graduating well-prepared for vocational success and a meaningful life of service.

The Graduate and Professional Center’s Academic Records Specialists are available to assist you with transfer credit evaluation, grade-point average (GPA) information, grade changes, and awarding of degrees and diplomas. Academic Records Specialists do not provide academic advising, but they maintain your permanent APU academic record and can answer all questions related to it.

Traditional Undergraduate Student Advising

The Office of Academic Advising, housed within the Academic Success Center, provides academic coaching and support to enable traditional undergraduate students to achieve their scholastic goals and thrive academically.

The Office of Academic Advising supports student academic success through a holistic approach. Our office wants to partner with you by providing:

• Individual academic advising and success coaching for exploring students.
• Personal attention to students who are developmentally admitted.
• Strategies and resources to aid in academic success.
• Assistance with questions regarding progress toward graduation.
• Partnerships with faculty to support students who are identified in our Early Alert program.
• Strategies to help increase undergraduate student retention and graduation rates.
• One-on-one Academic Success Coaching.

We look forward to meeting you! Stop by or make an appointment anytime. The Academic Success Center is located on East Campus in Building 30.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is academic advising?

Traditional undergraduate programs utilize a shared advising model. New, first-year, and second-year students are supported through the Academic Success Center with advising staff and receive faculty mentorship through their major departments. Professional staff advisors create individualized academic plans to assist students in meeting degree requirements and provide strengths-based advising to empower students with the resources needed to achieve their goals and thrive academically. Focused faculty advising occurs during junior and senior years to ensure successful degree completion and that graduation preparation is well supported. Faculty advisors also provide mentorship around vocation, graduate school, and career pathways that equips students to be difference makers now and upon graduation.

Why is it important for students to meet with an academic advisor?

Every student has a unique journey and academic goals, so it’s important they have a streamlined and individual plan. Advising 1) draws attention to timely academic requirements; 2) assists with course scheduling; 3) provides connection to on-campus resources; and 4) assists students in accomplishing their personal education goals.

When does academic advising typically occur?

Academic advising happens year-round, as it is much more than class selection and registration. At the same time, heightened advising generally occurs the month prior to registration, and some academic departments may offer specific course-schedule advising. Students should seek advising from staff and faculty as needed for support and accountability throughout their academic journey.

When might/should a student make an advising appointment at other times, outside of the traditional advising season?

APU’s advisors, whether that is an Academic Success Coach or faculty advisor in the major, are here to support the academic pursuits of every student year-round. If a student wants to explore and define academic, career, and life goals as well as resources, an advising appointment will help unpack these types of questions.

What should students do to prepare for their advising appointment?

Preparing for the Meeting

• Plan meetings ahead of time, so you are ready before decisions need to be made
• Come prepared to share your academic hopes
• Consider bringing questions to ask the advisor
• Review your academic requirements, plan, and advising notes from previous meetings

During the Meeting

• Engage and participate by explaining your personal academic goals and expectations
• Be honest about your circumstances and what you need to succeed
• If you don’t understand something, ask for clarity
• Leave knowing your next steps

Why do we have Academic Success Coaches instead of Academic Advisors at APU?

We firmly believe that the academic advising relationship should be a true partnership between Academic Success Coaches and the student to accomplish comprehensive student success. We want to see you embrace an expanded vision of student success, which is much more than selecting the correct courses to graduate. Our coaches are committed to partnering with you throughout your time at APU to promote holistic thriving. Our team wants to see you academically engaged in your coursework, socially connected on campus, and growing in your faith and confidence as a difference maker. Our Academic Success Coaches are committed to having intentional conversations about ways you can apply your strengths, plan, and resources to be successful as a student here at APU.

How does academic advising happen?

Advising season happens once a semester (March and October), prior to registering for classes. Our office provides resources to help you explore life, vocation, and goals. The Academic Success Coaches serve as coaches and mentors by helping students with academic planning, selecting classes, and navigating the college experience. We encourage students to schedule advising appointments, but also welcome students to come in at any time for assistance.

Who is my Academic Success Coach or advisor?

Anneliese Trujillo, MA

Allied Health, Applied Mathematics, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Systems Engineering, and School of Music

Bryce Kuboyama, MDiv

Kinesiology and Nursing

Stephanie Morales, MS

Biblical Studies, Christian Ministries, English, Exploring (undecided/undeclared), Global Studies, History, Interdisciplinary Studies, Liberal Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Social Science, International Relations, Sociology, Spanish, Theology, and Youth and Family Ministries

Gina Conner, MSW

Criminal Justice, Psychology, Social Work, Acting for the Stage and Screen, Animation and Visual Effects, Cinematic Arts, Cinematic Arts Production, Screenwriting, and Theater Arts

Adam Sarrail, MS

Accounting, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, International Business, Management, Marketing, Human Resources and Organizational Development, Digital Marketing and Design, Communication Studies, Journalism, Public Relations, Art, Design Studies, and Graphic Design

Set Up Your Advising Appointment

Traditional Undergraduate Students

• Current Freshmen and Sophomores: Schedule an appointment via TutorTrac
• Current Juniors and Seniors: Contact your major department to schedule an appointment
• Students with Minors: Contact the academic department or meet with an Academic Success Coach