Academic advising web chat scheduled for Feb. 15

Do you have questions about courses, majors and advising? UW–Madison wants to help.

Academic advising is an important part of undergraduate education. Advisors help students find the resources and tools to explore, define and accomplish academic and career goals.

The topic can be complex and challenging, and it consistently rates as an area in which students and parents have concerns and questions.

To make things easier, the UW–Madison Parent Program and Cross College Advising Service are teaming up for the first time to host a live informational Web chat to answer a wide range of questions from students and parents.

The event will be held from noon-1 p.m. (CST) on Tuesday, Feb. 15 here.

Topics may include selecting or changing a major, course selection, reading a Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS) report, advising opportunities, entrance requirements for undergraduate majors, transfer requirements and planned enhancements to the campus advising structure.

Participants are encouraged to submit their own questions or simply sit back and observe the chat. For those who can’t participate in the live chat, a complete HTML transcript will be posted immediately following the event.

Keep in mind that the chat is designed to provide information and resources — it doesn’t replace a regular appointment with an assigned academic advisor.

Panelists include:

• Becky Ryan, associate director, Cross College Advising Service;
• Jeff Gehrke, assistant dean, Undergraduate Academic Services, Wisconsin School of Business;
• Susan Nelson, pre-health advising coordinator;
• Annette McDaniel, assistant director, Center for the First Year Experience; coordinator, Transfer Transition Program;
• Will Lipske, biological sciences advisor, Institute for Cross-College Biology Education;
• Mary L. Smith, biological sciences advisor, Institute for Cross-College Biology Education, and,
• Jeff Shockler, associate director, L&S Honors Program.