New Student Advising Office

START academic advising works with all incoming students, except College of Business transfer students. Our services include assisting students in:

• Making the transition to UM-Dearborn
• Understanding degree requirements
• Scheduling
• Choosing a major
• Creating a preliminary graduation plan
• Creating a manageable school/life balance
• Improving study skills
• Finding ways to be involved on campus

START advisors also work with students who are on probation or at-risk to help them identify areas of challenge and opportunity, and find new ways of approaching their education to push them toward reaching their full potential.​

You may see a START advisor any time you have a question related to your academic planning or future career goals. START advisors meet with students by appointment, but we also offer drop-in advising. Drop-ins are for quick questions, and you may see any advisor available for drop-in advising. For more complex or time consuming advising questions, a quick drop-in conversation may not be sufficient, and you may be asked to make a follow-up appointment with a START advisor who specializes in advising for your field of study.​

START recommends that you prepare for an appointment by first creating a list of questions you know you would like to ask. Then, take the time to review your Degree Works audit. If the review of your audit answers some of your questions or creates new ones, modify your list. Most importantly, remember to bring your list of questions with you to your appointment. 

If you are seeing an advisor to get a form completed (SAP Appeal, for example), make sure you are prepared with a copy of the form beforehand and have it with you when you meet with your advisor.

If you are seeing an advisor to discuss choosing a major, take some time to reflect on your interests and explore the options available at UM-Dearborn. Use some of the resources listed in the Selecting a Major on the New Student Advising Basics webpage. Take notes, and bring those notes with you to your appointment.

If you are seeing an advisor to do a probation contract, start to reflect on your last semester. What were the biggest challenges that you faced? What were some successes that you would like to build on in your next semester? Come prepared to have an open and honest discussion with your advisor, and we will work together to find ways to help you get back on track and on your way to academic success.