Frequently Asked Questions
Who is my advisor?
Students are assigned to one of four Academic Advisors based on the first letter of their last name. Advisor Assignments are as follows:
- Cheryl Hester (A-D)
- Keokuk Kight (E-K)
- Jerryal Pettigrew (L-Q)
- Vangela Humphries (R-Z)
The Academic Advisors assist the following student majors:
| Major Program of Study | Advisee (according to total credit hours) |
|---|---|
| Biology | students who have not yet enrolled in CHEM 2412/2412L |
| Communications & Media Studies | students who have less than 45 credit hours |
| English | students who have less than 45 credit hours |
| History | students who have less than 45 credit hours |
| Integrative Studies | students who have less than 60 credit hours |
| Criminal Justice | students who have less than 45 credit hours |
| Music | Pre-Music (students who have not yet successfully auditioned) |
| Psychology & Human Services | students who have less than 60 credit hours |
| Political Science | students who have less than 45 credit hours |
| Teacher Education | Pre-Middles Grades Education students (who have not been fully and formally accepted into the Middles Grades program) |
Faculty advisors are assigned to the following students:
Pre-Engineering & Pre-Pharmacy majors
Art, Theatre, and Music majors (Music majors must have
successfully auditioned) Integrative Studies and Psychology &
Human Services majors with 60 credit hours
Teacher Education majors accepted into the TE program
All other Arts and Sciences majors with more than 45 credit
hours
Advisor contact information is listed on your “Student Academic History” in the DUCK.
Why do I need to see my advisor?
Academic advisement is mandatory for all undergraduate students enrolled at Clayton State University. “Must See Advisor” holds placed on students’ DUCK records prevent course registration until students have completed an advisement session.
Advisors help students:
- Develop an academic plan consistent with core curriculum and major degree requirements
- Identify educational and career goals
- Develop sound decision making skills
- Understand campus policies and procedures that influence their academic standing
- Become aware of the campus resources available to them
Early and thoughtful academic planning with your advisor can save frustration and costly mistakes down the road.
What should I bring to an advisement session?
Arrive for your advisement session with questions about the core curriculum, program/major requirements, campus resources, etc. You should also have a general idea about how you are performing in your current classes and a list of courses that you would like to take for the coming semesters.
What is discussed during an appointment?
- explanation of academic and core curriculum requirements
- selection of major/minor programs of study
- campus resources and services
- course scheduling and planning
- outside commitments that may influence your academic performance
- probation and suspension guidelines
How often am I required to see an advisor?
Mandatory advisement sessions take place twice per academic year. Spring semester sessions typically begin in October and summer and/or fall semester sessions in March. The sooner you meet with your advisor during priority advisement periods, the better your chances for timely registration and choice course selection.
How do I meet with my advisor?
Students may meet with their assigned advisors by appointments scheduled through AdvisorTrac, the online scheduling system or during designated drop-in periods [no appointment needed]. Once a student completes an in office advisement session, he/she may qualify for Email Advisement. Please see your advisor for details.
How do I schedule an advisement appointment?
- Cheryl Hester
Advisees with last names (A-D) - Keokuk Kight
Advisees with last names (E-K) - Jerryal Pettigrew
Advisees with last names (L-Q) - Vangela Humphries
Advisees with last names (R-Z)
The Academic Advisors utilize an online scheduling system, Advisor Trac, to schedule advisement appointments. Directions on how to use the system can be found at http://a-s.clayton.edu/advising/under “How To Make an Appointment”. You may also follow the directions below:
- Go to http://a-s.clayton.edu/advising/ and select Schedule an Appointment.
- Enter your first name initial and last name as your username. For example, Matthew Thomas' username would be mthomas.
- Enter your password. The password used is your DUCK pin. Select LOGIN.
- Select Make an Appointment. This option is located on the blue banner at the top of the screen.
- Select your assigned advisor by clicking on the pull-down arrow. You MUST select your assigned advisor (see chart above) or your appointment will be cancelled. Do NOT select a Center.
- Select the type of appointment (Individual) by clicking on the pull-down arrow. You MUST select Individual. Click SEARCH.
- A list of available appointments should appear at the bottom of the screen. If no dates appear, extend your dates of availability on the previous screen. Select the day/time you wish to see your advisor. Do this by clicking on the time under ‘Availability’.
- Select preferred appointment time by clicking on the pull-down arrow. Enter a brief reason for the appointment in the Request Help In box. For instance, you may enter ‘course planning’ or ‘withdrawal’.
- Select Save Appointment. You will receive an email confirmation of the appointment in your CSU email account.
What do I do if I need to change my advisement appointment?
Please try to cancel your appointment in AdvisorTrac at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. If you must cancel the day of the appointment, please contact your advisor by email or phone.
What do I do if I am late for my appointment?
Late arrivals are handled at the discretion of each advisor. Students may be asked to reschedule depending on appointment volume and availability.
How do I change my major?
You can now change your major through the DUCK. Click here for information on how to change your major.
Does withdrawing from a class affect my financial aid?
It depends on your financial aid packet. Some packets require students to be enrolled a minimum of 12 hours per semester. HOWEVER, this is not a requirement for everyone. Contact the Office of Financial Aid directly for information regarding the policies of your individual financial aid packet.
What happens if I withdraw from a course?
Withdrawing from a class is never an easy decision. Before you make a decision please read the information found here carefully.
What is my catalog year?
Your catalog year is determined by the year you entered Clayton State University in a specific program of study. For example; if you were admitted to Clayton State University as a Biology student fall semester 2003 your catalog year is 2003-04. If you entered Clayton State University under another major and later changed your major, your catalog year would be determined by the semester you declared your new major. For example; you started Clayton State University fall semester 2003 as an Integrative Studies major and then spring semester 2005 you changed your major to Psychology, your catalog year would be 2004-05.