Ms. Kelly Atkins is the Department of Psychology academic advisor. The advisement office is in AH-0311 (Ph. 2266) and hours are posted each semester. An appointment is necessary for class enrollment and registration, and can be made in the main Psychology Office (AH 0118) or by calling 618-650-2202. However, if you have a question, need information, or need to make minor modifications to your schedule, you can stop by during her scheduled office hours.
All students should have a program plan on file as soon as possible after declaring a psychology major. The academic advisor will work with you to develop a program plan that both satisfies departmental requirements and fits your interests and educational/professional goals. Students may also see the academic advisor for course request forms, graduation checks, information about Graduate School and professional opportunities.
Class Registration
Advising begins the third week of class each semester. Using the CougarNet self-registration system, students with 90+ hours may begin to enroll in classes during the 9th week of the semester. Students with 60-89 hours may enroll during the 10th week. Students with 30-59 hours may enroll during the 11th week. Students with 0-29 hours may enroll during the 12th week.
All students must meet with Ms. Atkins prior to enrolling in classes online. Students must complete an advising session and receive an alternate pin that will allow them to enroll in classes via CougarNet. The alternate pin will allow students to register for classes, add/drop classes, and print out a student schedule.
You will get much better help during your advising appointment if you come prepared. Keep in mind that it is not the advisor's responsibility to make decisions for you, or to schedule time blocks for your courses.
Before an advising session, review the SIUE class schedule or look on CougarNet for a list of available courses. Also, look on CougarNet for a list of courses in which you are currently enrolled. Check your program plan and see what courses you need. Check the availability of the courses that you need. Spend some time thinking about your career goals. If you have questions, write them down to discuss them with your advisor.
Remember, the final responsibility of a successful college experience rests with YOU, the student. You are responsible for knowing college and major requirements, academic regulations, advisement dates, making and keeping your advising appointment, and registering for your classes.
Graduation
Early application for graduation is critical in reducing unnecessary "surprises" as graduation approaches. Application for graduation should be made the semester after you earn a total of 90 semester hours. At this time you should receive a letter (including a graduation application) from Admissions and Records requesting that you apply for graduation. On the Graduation Application you will be asked to indicate the semester you plan on graduating. If for any reason you have not met all the necessary requirements at that time, your graduation date will be rolled over to the next semester (you only pay the graduation fee one time). However, before sending the form to Admissions and Records we ask that you stop by the Psychology Undergraduate Advising Office to check that your degree has been properly entered in the system. If the system does not match your application, unnecessary delays will likely occur.
The most important aspect of the application for graduation process concerns your graduation check. In response to your application for graduation, a graduation check will be completed and sent to your home. The graduation check clearly specifies any remaining requirements you must complete before officially graduating. A letter will be sent concerning your major, minor, General Education requirements. It is essential that you bring these letters to the Psychology Undergraduate Advising Office in order to have your graduation status checked.
Graduate School
If you are interested in attending graduate school after completing your Bachelors degree, it is never too early to start preparing. Graduate school preparation includes, but is not limited to, taking specific courses that are necessary for applying to graduate schools. It is highly recommended that you inform the Undergraduate Adviser of your graduate school plans as early as possibe so that you get the best possible advice about getting ready for success in graduate school.