Advising categories
Advising FAQ's
How do I find who my advisor is?
Your academic advisor is listed on the right hand side of your WINGS student center.
Last modified: 11/27/2023
How often will I meet with my advisor?
Meet with your advisor each semester before your register for next semester's classes. See your advisor if you are experiencing any academic difficulties.
Last modified: 11/27/2023
What do we do when we meet?
In most cases, you will meet with your advisor in order to discuss your plan for courses to take the following semester. Your advisor will also discuss your plan for upcoming semesters, and how your plan will meet graduation requirements.
Academic advisors can also provide guidance and ideas regarding different careers within the Political Science/Public Administration discipline, extracurricular activities, and internship or job opportunities.
Last modified: 11/27/2023
How can I prepare for our meeting?
To prepare for meeting with your advisor, you should review your Advisement Report in WINGS, familiarize yourself with the requirements for graduation, review which requirements you have completed, and plan the courses you should be taking the following semester. Your advisor will be able to tell you if your suggested courses will keep you on track for graduation and will make any recommendations he or she thinks will be helpful for you in selecting your courses and preparing for your future after college, including career and/or graduate school.
If you are planning to study abroad, please visit with the Office of International Education before meeting with your advisor. In order to evaluate how a study abroad will influence course selection, it is helpful to know where you plan to study.
You should also be considering the minor and/or other majors that might be relevant given your interests and long-range career plans.
Last modified: 11/27/2023
What if I’m struggling academically?
Contact your advisor and the specific course instructor.
You should meet with your advisor if you think you are going to fail a course, you are on probation currently, or think your GPA may fall below 2.0. Likewise, if you are having difficulty handling day-to-day activities and responsibilities for any reason, please let your advisor know so he or she can direct you to UWL staff qualified to help you with your particular situation.
Last modified: 11/27/2023
What if I’m looking for additional opportunities?
The department stresses the value of extracurricular activities and seeks to provide special opportunities for political science students. We especially excel in providing internship opportunities whereby students can earn up to 12 credits while gaining on-the-job experience with government agencies, law firms, etc. Many of the internships pay a salary; all help students get jobs upon graduation, and some are international. In addition to internships, the department sponsors or participates in the Model United Nations and Mock Trial programs and in a number of tour and study abroad programs.
Last modified: 11/27/2023
Need more help or information?
You can reach out to the Department Chair: Adam Van Liere, or you can come visit our department in 421 Wimberly Hall. You can also call the department at 608.785.8434.