Jacqueline Beverly, Director of CSU's Academic Advising Center, contributed to this article and provided expertise. 

Choosing a school and planning your classes can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling work, family and life outside the classroom. For many adult learners, the fear of being left to navigate online education alone is real. 

You may be asking:  

• “Will someone actually guide me?”  
• “Will I feel supported, or am I just a number?”  
• “Is there someone helping me stay on track?” 

That’s where your academic advisor comes in. Many students wonder what to talk about with their academic advisor before their first advising meeting, especially when they’re applying to college for the first time or returning after many years. 

From your initial outreach to the moment you graduate and beyond, your advisor is there to help you plan, adjust and succeed every step of the way. That means less fear, more clarity and real support you can count on. 

An academic advisor is a college professional who helps students plan courses, stay on track with degree requirements, and make decisions about their academic path. 

For this article, we worked with Columbia Southern University’s academic advising team to help answer questions you may have about the advising process. Here’s a clear picture of what you can expect, so you can decide with confidence and peace of mind. 

What Does an Academic Advisor Do? 

When you apply and enroll in college, you’re typically assigned an academic advisor whose job is to guide you through your degree plan, not just answer basic questions. This is a relationship built on regular communication, trust and shared goals.  

Your advisor’s role includes things like: 

• Exploring how your academic goals connect with your career goals 
• Helping you avoid unnecessary courses that cost time and money 
• Helping you select courses that match your degree requirements and life schedule 
• Offering encouragement and support when life gets busy 
• Pointing you toward other campus resources when needed, such as a support center 

Advising isn’t a one-time chat. Instead, it’s ongoing support that helps you understand what to expect from an academic advisor throughout your degree journey. 

What Advising Looks Like Over Time 

To help you visualize the experience, think of advising as a journey through your degree: 

1. Before You Start Classes 

Even before your first term, your advisor will work with you to map out a plan. You’ll talk about your goals, your schedule and how many courses to take at a time so that your plan fits your real-world obligations.  

2. Early in Your Studies 

Around the first few weeks of classes, your advisor will check in to make sure everything is going smoothly. They’re there to answer questions about your coursework, help with time choices, and keep you confident as you transition into online learning. 

3. Throughout Your Degree Program 

You and your advisor will stay connected. Whether it’s choosing electives that excite you, responding to challenges like a low grade, or adapting your plan if life changes, this is about offering support through the long haul.  

4. Approaching Graduation 

Near the finish line, your advisor participates in final checks and helps make sure all requirements are complete. That way, when graduation day arrives, you’re ready. 

Regular Communication Helps the Student-Advisor Relationship Work Well 

It’s about more than courses. Advisors are trained to be more than schedulers because they provide additional support when you find yourself stuck. They help you navigate industry trends or opportunities tied to your program and can even discuss with you some ways to balance school, work and life commitments. 

This means you never feel like you’re figuring it out alone, even in a flexible online environment. For many students, that reassurance makes a huge difference in confidence and success. 

Good advising is a two-way street. While your advisor will reach out to help you get started on your journey and check in with you sometime afterwards, you’re encouraged to communicate as often as you want. Knowing what to talk about with an academic advisor can make these conversations more productive. 

Here are common scenarios in which you may contact your advisor: 

• Email or call for quick questions. 
• Schedule appointments for in-depth conversations. 
• Update advisors when degree plans or goals change. 

Your advisor may also reach out to you, especially if they notice something, such as a gap in enrollment or a challenging course, that might impact your progress. The more consistently you connect, the more tailored your support becomes. 

Understand What to Expect Directly from Columbia Southern University’s Academic Advising Team  

Columbia Southern University's Director of the Academic Advising Center, Jacqueline Beverly, explained what prospective students can expect from advisors: At Columbia Southern University, academic advising is designed to support the whole student, academically, professionally and personally. From the initial advising session through graduation, students are paired with an advisor who serves as a consistent guide and advocate throughout their educational journey. 

Because many of our students are adult learners balancing careers, families, military service and other responsibilities, we understand that education does not happen in isolation. Our advisors take time to understand each student’s goals, life circumstances and long-term aspirations. Advising conversations go beyond course selection; they include degree planning, career alignment, time management considerations, and support during challenging moments. 

We believe strong advising relationships are built over time. Through communication, advisors help students make informed decisions, stay on track, and adapt when life changes. Our goal is not only academic completion, but student confidence, clarity, and a sense of belonging throughout the process. 

At CSU, students are never navigating their education alone; they have a dedicated advisor committed to helping them succeed every step of the way. 

What Happens After You Apply to College? 

After you apply and are accepted into your chosen degree program, you typically will be assigned a dedicated academic advisor. This advisor becomes your primary point of contact for planning your coursework and navigating your degree requirements. 

Before your first term begins, you can expect to accomplish these tasks with your academic advisor: 

• Create a manageable plan for your first session 
• Decide how many courses to take per term 
• Discuss *transfer credit evaluations, if applicable 
• Review your degree plan and required courses 
• Talk through your work schedule and time commitments 

You won’t need to figure out registration, policies or course sequencing on your own. Your advisor will walk you through those steps and answer questions along the way. 

For adult students returning after years away from school, this structure provides clarity. Instead of guessing what to do next, you will have a defined starting point and a clear path forward. Additionally, for students enrolled in online programs, academic advising for online students often includes guidance on scheduling courses around work and personal commitments. 

Experience Academic Support and Guidance at CSU 

Choosing a university is about more than selecting courses. It’s about choosing the kind of support system that will carry you from your first class to graduation. 

At Columbia Southern University, academic advisors are assigned after you apply, are accepted and select your certificate or degree program, ensuring your guidance is aligned with your specific goals from the very beginning. 

If you’re ready to take the next step toward earning your degree with personalized support designed for working adults, explore CSU’s programs and submit your application. Your advisor will be ready to help you build a clear plan, understand your next steps, and move forward with confidence.