Academic advising is an important part of your student's educational journey. Advisors help students understand degree requirements, explore academic options, and plan for future semesters. As advanced registration approaches, encourage your student to prepare ahead of their appointment by following these tips:
1. Schedule an Advising Appointment Early
Advising appointments fill quickly during registration season. Encourage your student to schedule their appointment as early as possible through Raider Success Hub:
Raider Success Hub:
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/provost/success/
2. Come Prepared
A little preparation can make advising appointments more productive and efficient.
Review Degree Works
Before the appointment, students should review their Degree Works audit and familiarize themselves with their academic progress.
Questions to consider:
- Are all completed courses showing correctly?
- Have transfer credits been applied appropriately?
- Which degree requirements are still outstanding?
- Are there any courses that should be prioritized for the next semester?
Reviewing Degree Works beforehand helps students have a more informed conversation about course selection, degree progress, and future planning.
Degree Works:
https://ttudegreeworks.texastech.edu/ResponsiveDashboard/
Write Down Questions
Students often think of important questions but forget them during the appointment. Encourage your student to create a list of topics they would like to discuss, such as:
- Degree requirements
- Course recommendations
- Major or minor exploration
- Graduation timelines
- Academic opportunities and resources
Check for Registration Holds
A registration hold is a restriction on a student's account that may prevent them from adding or dropping courses. Holds are placed when action is needed from the student.
While advisors may not be able to remove every hold, they can help direct students to the appropriate office for assistance.
To view holds, visit RaiderLink:
https://portal.texastech.edu/web/ttu/my-tech
Navigate to:
Manage My Enrollment → Registration → Registration Status
Know Your Registration Date
Registration dates are assigned by the Registrar's Office and are generally based on the number of completed credit hours on a student's transcript.
Students can find their assigned registration date in RaiderLink:
https://portal.texastech.edu/web/ttu/my-tech
Navigate to:
Manage My Enrollment → Registration → Registration Status
3. Understand Advising During Peak Registration Periods
October and November are among the busiest times of the year for academic advisors due to spring registration.
During these months:
- Appointment availability may be limited.
- Students may need to schedule several weeks in advance.
- Appointment times may be shorter to accommodate increased demand.
If your student has complex questions or would like more in-depth discussion about academic planning, they are encouraged to schedule a follow-up appointment.
A Final Note for Families
Academic advising is most effective when students take an active role in the process. Encouraging your student to prepare questions, review their academic progress, and schedule appointments early will help them make the most of their advising experience and stay on track toward graduation.
