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Advising Options
Before attending advising, consider the topic(s) you may want to discuss and review the roles and responsibilities for advising sessions.
Individual Advising
When: By appointment
One-on-one appointments where our advisors can prepare for your specific situation ahead of time. When booking an appointment, you’ll be asked what topic you’d like to discuss. See our list below for advising appointment topics.
Drop-In Advising
When: Every weekday when classes are running | 1 - 3 p.m.
Drop-in appointments are intended for quick questions and minor fixes. If you have questions regarding career planning, resume review and program planning, please book an individual advising appointment so that sufficient time is available to answer your questions.
Pop-Up Advising
When: Around peak times and deadlines
Student advisors pop-up in the Forum around peak times of year and around registration deadlines. Stop by to ask quick questions, get pointed in the right direction for information, and learn about upcoming events and deadlines.
Solutions Articles
Solution Articles have been written by your advisors to detail key processes and answer some of your most common questions.
Are you a prospective or incoming student?
Support is available through one of our admissions advisors. If transferring into a program at Augustana, please make appointments at the links above.
Advising Topics
Our advisors can assist you with the following topics.
Discuss your academic path and ensure you're on track to meet your program requirements in your desired timeline. These appointments are ideal for reviewing your course schedule, understanding degree requirements and troubleshooting registration issues. Advisors can also help you plan ahead for future terms, assess the impact of taking courses at another institution or explore transfer options.
Common questions students ask in this type of appointment:
- “I’m not sure if I’m meeting my degree requirements. Can you help me understand my Academic Requirements Report from Bear Tracks?”
- “A required course isn’t being offered this year. What should I do?”
- “Can someone review my schedule to make sure I’ve enrolled in the right courses?”
- “The course I need is full. What are my options?”
- “I want to take a course but I don’t have the prerequisite. Can I still register?”
- “I’m thinking of taking a course at another institution. How do I know if it will transfer?”
- “I’m planning to switch programs. What should I consider when choosing courses?”
These appointments are specifically for students who have been placed on academic probation and are required to meet with an advisor as part of their probationary conditions. During this meeting, you’ll review your academic standing, discuss strategies for success and create a plan to help you return to good academic standing.
Common questions students ask in this type of appointment:
- “What does being on academic probation mean for me?”
- “What should I do to get back into good standing?”
- “Are there specific courses I should or shouldn’t take while on probation?”
- “Can we talk about what went wrong last term and how I can improve?”
- “What resources are available to help me succeed this semester?”
- “What happens if I don’t meet my probation requirements?”
- “How can I stay motivated and manage my time better?”
For students experiencing academic challenges who need support in navigating their options. Advisors can help you understand university policies, explore strategies for success and make informed decisions about dropping, swapping or withdrawing from courses. These appointments are also a space to talk through GPA concerns, potential academic standing implications and get connected with helpful resources.
Common questions students ask in this type of appointment:
- “How do I know if I should drop or withdraw from a course?”
- “Should I withdraw from my course or explore a pass/fail option?”
- “I’m failing a course. What does this mean for my GPA and degree progress?”
- “What is an Exploration Credit, and should I use it?”
- “Can you help me understand a policy or procedure I’ve read on the U of A website?”
- “I’m worried I might be required to withdraw; what can I do?”
- “How can I improve my academic performance moving forward?”
- “I received an email about my academic performance. What does this mean and what supports are available?”
For students who want to explore how their degree can connect to future careers or professional programs. Advisors can help you identify degree-enhancing opportunities, understand admission requirements for further education and connect you with career development resources.
Common questions students ask in this type of appointment:
- “I’m thinking about applying to a professional program. What requirements do I need to meet?”
- “How can I make the most of my degree to prepare for a specific career path?”
- “What non-academic experiences (like volunteering or research) should I consider pursuing?”
- “I have a general idea of what I want to do after graduation, but what steps should I take next?”
- “Are there resources or services that can help me explore my career options?”
- “How do I find internships, co-ops or other hands-on learning opportunities?”
For students involved in or interested in Community Service-Learning (CSL) opportunities. Advisors can help with questions about your CSL placement, navigate necessary forms, understand campusBRIDGE or learn more about programs like the Certificate in Community Engagement & Service-Learning (CESL).
Common questions students ask in this type of appointment:
- “I’m having trouble with campusBRIDGE. Can you help me upload my documents or track my hours?”
- “What is the CESL certificate, and how do I get started?”
- “I’m not sure what’s expected of me in my CSL placement. Can I talk through it with someone?”
- “What do I do if I’m having issues connecting with my community partner?”
- “I’m interested in being a First-Year Seminar and/or a stats tutor; how do I apply?”
- “Which courses have CSL opportunities?”
- “How can I get more involved with CSL beyond this course?”
- “What is CSL and how can it help me throughout my undergraduate and career journey?”
For students interested in hands-on learning experiences outside the classroom, locally or abroad. Whether you're considering field studies, outdoor education courses, exchanges or international study tours, advisors can help you explore your options and understand how to fit these experiences into your academic program.
Common questions students ask in this type of appointment:
- “I’m interested in studying abroad. How do I make sure it fits with my degree requirements?”
- “What kinds of field study or outdoor education opportunities are available to me?”
- “How do international study tours work, and what should I expect?”
- “How do I start planning for a semester or year abroad?”
- “Will the courses I take abroad transfer back to my program?”
- “Will taking a semester abroad extend my degree?”
- “What funding or scholarships are available for experiential learning?”
The ONN is a group of University units that assist those who have experienced sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in exploring and understanding the options available to them through the University.
Common questions students ask in this type of appointment:
- “Without needing to disclose the details of my SGBV experience, what are the options available for personal support, medical assistance and safety measures?”
- “What academic, work or residence modifications can the university provide to help mitigate the impact of SGBV on my studies, and how do I initiate these requests?”
- “Can you explain the difference between making a disclosure and filing a formal complaint, and what are the steps and potential outcomes for each process if I choose to pursue them?”
For students who are thinking about making changes to their academic program. Whether you’re ready to declare a major, considering a switch or exploring options like adding a minor or embedded certificate, advisors can help you understand the process and how your academic requirements would be affected.
Common questions students ask in this type of appointment:
- “How do I declare or change my major at Augustana?”
- “What are the steps to add or remove a minor from my program?”
- “I’m thinking of switching programs. What would that mean for my degree progress?”
- “What is an embedded certificate, and how do I add one to my degree?”
- “How will my Academic Requirements Report change if I update my program or add a credential?”
- “What is a minor, and do I need to declare one?”
- “Can I talk to someone about how these changes might impact my future goals or timeline to graduate?”
If your situation doesn’t fit neatly into one of the other categories, choose the “Other” option and briefly describe your concern in the appointment description box when booking. Advisors are here to help connect you with the right resources and support, even if you’re not sure where to start.
Common questions students ask in this type of appointment:
- “I’m facing financial difficulties. What support programs are available through the U of A?”
- “I need help, but I’m not sure who to talk to. Can you point me in the right direction?”
- “I’m interested in doing a directed reading or directed study course. What do I need to know?”
- “How do I get involved in student research opportunities?”
Additional Advising
The Student Service Centre supports you online and on North Campus with these additional services and topics:
- Financial support (awards, loans, bursaries and financial literacy)
- Enrolment and Degree Verification Documents, transcripts
- Tuition and fee inquiries
- Updates to personal information
- Bear Tracks navigation and troubleshooting
- Launchpad (application) navigation and troubleshooting
- Filling out forms for student aid and some scholarships
Our Advisors

Amber Basarab
Hello! I’m Amber. I work with students in all Augustana programs to understand their requirements and get the most out of their time at Augustana by promoting opportunities for skill development and career exploration. I use my training in career development to help students connect their experiences to possible careers.

Kyra Thompson
Hello! I’m Kyra, an Augustana alumna with a passion for creativity, community and culture. Along with general academic advising, I coordinate the Community Service-Learning (CSL) program on campus and can help answer questions around CSL and campusBRIDGE.

Vanessa Torkelson
My name is Vanessa, and I am one of Augustana’s student advisors. I have a passion for helping students navigate their undergraduate journey and reach their educational and career goals. My areas of expertise are general advising, transfer credit assessments and visiting student letters.
Roles + Responsibilities
Your student advisors are here to support, guide and clarify. They work with you to connect you to opportunities for exploration and success, while you actively prepare, take initiative and make informed decisions about your academic program and career. The below chart outlines the key roles and responsibilities in this collaborative relationship.
Your Role: Taking Ownership + Preparing | Your Advisor's Role: Guiding + Supporting |
---|---|
Proactive Program Planning: Take full ownership of your academic success and program planning. Utilize available tools such as student success workshops, major maps and information sessions. | Clarifying Program Pathways: Provide accurate information related to academic programs at Augustana Faculty. Help you understand your degree requirements, including the Core and course prerequisites. |
Understanding Policies + Requirements: Familiarize yourself with university policies and regulations and ensure you understand all degree requirements. | Explaining Policies + Procedures: Clearly explain university policies and regulations and guide you through any issues, providing options. |
Attend Advising Meetings Prepared: having reviewed relevant program information, bring specific questions. Be prepared to take notes and act on any recommended next steps. If meeting virtually, find a quiet space and check that your mic and camera are working. | Fostering a Supportive Environment: Provide a safe, supportive and welcoming environment where you feel comfortable discussing your academic and career aspirations. |
Career + Skill Development: Take responsibility for your career management. Actively seek out opportunities to develop relevant skills, learn and move towards your career goals. | Navigating Opportunities: Help navigate your academic career, offering valuable information regarding experiential and co-curricular opportunities that align with your interests and goals. |
Effective Communication: Communicate in an appropriate and respectful manner with your advisor. Check your UAlberta email regularly, as you are responsible for staying up-to-date with all important communications. | Responsive Communication: Communicate in an appropriate and respectful manner. Respond to tickets in a timely manner, typically within 3-5 business days. |