Do I have an advisor when I am assigned to the AAAC?
Yes, the Advising Center staff are your advisors. We have professional and faculty advisors who work in the Advising Center.
When do I need an appointment?
The AAAC functions on an appointment system for most services, including pre-registration. Students may drop-by to withdraw from a course or to schedule an appointment. Students are not required to have an appointment on late registration days for a term.
I am an online/distance student. How do I pre-register or register during late registration?
Online students can use the e-advising form or call the AAAC to schedule a telephone appointment for pre-registration. If you call to register during late registration, a staff member will take your contact information and the next available advisor will call you.
Can I Web register?
Students assigned to the AAAC are not allowed to Web register. Southern Arkansas University is committed to your success and discussing your goals with an advisor is an important part of being a successful student. To help you be successful, advisors are available to answer questions, explain degree and University requirements, and will help you choose classes that are developmentally appropriate and align with your career and educational goals.
When will I get an advisor in my department?
Most students will receive a departmental advisor when they complete 30 hours and have a declared major. Nursing students will remain with the Advising Center until they are admitted to the nursing program. We encourage you meet faculty in your major department and begin developing those relationships now!
How do I change my major?
If you would like to discuss major options, please schedule an appointment with the AAAC. If you already know what your new major will be or if there is a discrepancy between your major and what is listed on MySAU, please contact the Advising Center to make the change.
Does it hurt me to drop a course? What should I do if I am thinking about dropping a course?
Dropping a course can delay your graduation or you may have to take extra hours during another semester if you want to graduate on the same timeline. Dropping a course can also influence your financial aid and scholarships. You should always consult with Financial Aid before you drop a class.
Also, we recommend visiting with your professor to discuss your progress in the course. If you still think you need to drop a course, you will need to visit your advisor to fill out the paperwork. After the paperwork is completed, you will take it to the Registrar’s Office for processing.
How many credit hours do I need to graduate with a bachelor’s degree?
A bachelor’s degree requires a minimum of 120 hours. Some programs require more than the minimum.
I have pre-registered for a term, but now I need to make a change to my schedule. What do I do?
You can request a change by e-mailing sw-advising@saumag.edu or you may schedule an appointment to visit with an advisor.
How many hours do students typically take during the fall/spring semesters?
15 credit hours is a typical load each semester. Scholarship and financial aid requirements can influence how many hours you must complete. Taking approximately 15 hours per semester (not including transitional work) should keep you on track for graduation (15*8=120 = minimum hours to graduate).
What is “locking in” or “saving” my schedule?
These terms refer to making your payment arrangements with the Business Office. Students are not officially registered for classes until payment arrangements are made.
What if my financial aid and/or scholarships cover my entire balance? Do I still have to “save” my schedule?
You still have to contact the Business Office to secure your schedule and confirm you are attending SAU for that particular semester. You can contact the Business Office in-person (Overstreet Hall 113), by telephone (870-235-4019), or you can save it via Campus Connect on the MySAU portal (recommended).
Why do I have to take math and English each semester?
It is a University requirement that you enroll in a math course each semester until you complete College Algebra or Mathematical Literacy. Also, it is a University requirement that you enroll in an English course each semester until you complete Composition II. This is for your benefit so that your mathematics and English requirements are completed in a timely manner.
When will I receive a catalog?
New catalogs for each academic year arrive in the fall. Catalogs are distributed to freshman students through GSTD 1002 Freshman Seminar. If you are a new student who is not a freshman, please contact the AAAC or the Office of Admissions to request a catalog. Catalogs are also available online on the Academics page. Please note that you do not need a new catalog each year. The requirements for graduation listed in the catalog in effect when a student initially enters an institution of higher education, whether initial entry is SAU or another institution, are valid for eight years.
What is the Advising Hold?
The Advising Hold ensures that you register for your classes with the Advising Center. This hold will stay on your account until you complete 30 hours and does not prevent you from doing anything else on campus.
