New & Transfer Student Advising
Who Is My Advisor?
Every Batten student is assigned an academic advisor before their first semester. Who that advisor is depends on where you are in your academic journey when you arrive.
Professional Academic Advisor
Before you set foot on campus, you're paired with a professional Academic Advisor from University Advising. They built your first schedule and they'll be your go-to person until you declare a major.
Once you declare, you'll transition to a Faculty Advisor in your chosen discipline — but your Academic Advisor is always available if you need them.
Faculty or Academic Advisor
If you're transferring in with a declared major, you'll be paired with a Faculty Advisor in that discipline. The University Advising Coordinator facilitates that match.
If you're transferring in undeclared, you'll work with an Academic Advisor from University Advising — same as first-year students — until you're ready to choose a major.
Transfer students — New Admit Meetings: You'll receive an invitation to your Batten email to schedule a one-on-one New Admit Meeting with University Advising. These are separate from your faculty advising appointments and are specifically designed to help you get oriented to Batten's policies and processes. Don't skip it.
What Does My Advisor Actually Do?
Think of your advisor as your academic GPS — they help you navigate the degree requirements, avoid wrong turns, and stay on track for graduation. The advising relationship is built around your success, not just course selection.
- Help you build a degree plan that works for your goals
- Walk you through what's required to graduate
- Help you understand and navigate WebAdvisor/PASCAL
- Approve your course registration each semester
- Guide your major and minor decisions
- Connect you to campus resources when you need them
- Monitor your academic progress toward graduation
- Certify that you've completed all requirements before you graduate
Your advisor will do everything they can to guide you — but the final responsibility for meeting all academic requirements rests with you. Use WebAdvisor regularly to track your own progress. Don't rely on your advisor to catch everything.
Declaring a Major
You don't have to decide your major right away. Most first-year students start undeclared — that's completely normal and expected. You have until you've completed 54 credit hours (roughly the end of sophomore year) to declare.
When you're ready, here's how it works:
Choose your major and find a Faculty Advisor
Identify a full-time faculty member in your intended major department who agrees to serve as your advisor. Your Academic Advisor can help you make that connection.
Complete a Declaration of Major Form
Both you and your new Faculty Advisor sign the Declaration of Major Form, available from the Registrar's Office or in WebAdvisor. Submit it to the Registrar.
Meet with your Faculty Advisor each semester
You must meet with your Faculty Advisor during the officially designated advising weeks each fall and spring before you're cleared for registration. Your advisor sets your course selection — you can't register until they release you.
Your Faculty Advisor certifies your graduation
Before you can graduate, your Faculty Advisor certifies that you've completed all requirements for your major. You'll also need to file an Application for Degree through WebAdvisor — check the Registrar's Office for deadlines.
Changing your mind is fine. You can change your major at any time by filing a new Declaration of Major Form. Just be aware that some majors have GPA requirements or restrictions on when you can switch in — talk to your advisor first.
Interested in adding a minor or a second major? Talk to your advisor. Minors require a separate approval process and at least 20 credits in the minor field. You can find more details on the Degree Requirements page.
Questions about advising or your schedule? Email us at studentsuccess@batten.edu — or just schedule a time to talk.
Schedule an Appointment