Academic Advising

Welcome to Ball State University! Here at BSU, education is redefined. You will be amazed by the high quality of education, the numerous learning resources offered to you, and how approachable your advisors are. Studying at BSU is a big step towards your success in the future. We hope you enjoy your academic program and your stay at BSU.

PEOPLE WHO WORK WITH YOU

Undergraduate students (Un-conditional Admission):

• Freshman Advisors (Your first two years in college, before you earned 30 credit hours, or before you claimed a major)
• Academic Advisors/ Faculty Advisors (After you have earned 30 credit hours and have claimed a major)
• International Student Academic Advisor (In the Rinker Center for International Programs. Supports your academic related concerns and needs, and connects you with advising and learning resources)
• Instructors and Professors (Who teach your classes)
• Teaching Assistants (Who assist your professors to teach the classes)

Graduate students (Un-conditional Admission):

• Graduate Student Academic Advisors (Assigned to you after you are enrolled in an academic program)
• International Student Academic Advisor (In the Rinker Center for International Programs. Supports your academic related concerns and needs, and connects you with advising and learning resources)
• Instructors and Professors (Who teach your classes)

Students in Intensive English Institution (IEI) or Conditionally Admitted:

• Advisors in the IEI institution (Based on your English level, classes will be assigned and registered by IEI)
• International Student Academic Advisor (In the Rinker Center for International Programs. Supports your academic related concerns and needs, facilitate your academic registration progress and the transition to the academic programs, and connects you with advising and learning resources)
• Instructors (Who teach your classes)

FREE LEARNING RESOURCES ON CAMPUS

• Learning Center ( Tutoring for university core curriculum courses, math, physics, accounting and economics tutoring; writing center; study strategies and learning skills, etc.)
• Career Center (Job-search skills, career resource lab, on-campus employment opportunities, etc.)
• Counseling Center (testing, explore your academic and personal goals, international conversation groups, resume critiques, mock interviews, etc.)
• Rinker Center for International Programs (Cultural programs, Friendship Family programs, educational programs, etc.)
• Residence Life (social and educational programs held at various campus housing locations)
• Student clubs and organizations (theme events. Free to join the groups; fees may apply to certain programs)

THINGS YOU WILL NEED TO READ

You may receive numerous handouts at different events on campus. Some students feel that it’s hard to go through every single page of the handouts, but below are some (not all) important materials that may affect your academic success. Once you receive them, please make sure you read them and understand the contents.

• Advising Handbook that is issued by the university
• Course syllabus that are given by your instructors/professors at the beginning of each semester
• Any official letter or notification from the university, your academic department, and/or the Rinker Center for International Programs.

KEYS TO YOUR ACADEMIC SUCCESS

• Ask questions: There are many people on campus who are ready to help you. It is better to get the questions answered than to build them up and confuse you.
• Academic honesty : Is essential in your academic and career life. Academic honesty includes no cheating in tests, strict reference and quotation rules in your essays and papers, etc. If you are not sure what academic honesty means, please consult with your advisors or the Learning Center.
• Be active in class: Here in the U.S., professors expect you to ask questions and share your opinions in class. You can be better engaged with your class by having efficient communications with your professors and classmates, and help them to understand you as well.
• Engage with the campus: Students who are socially successful are more likely to perform better in their classrooms. Take advantage of being on a vivid campus, and make your study abroad experience one of the best in your life.
• Practice English every second you can: Language is essential in communication, and efficient communication benefits students’ academic performance.
• Use learning resources: They are free, efficient, and helpful.
• Work hard: Attend classes, meetings, and appointments on time. Treat every paper and test as serious as your finals. Tutoring and workshops require extra time, but you will benefit a lot from using them.

Work smart: Improve your learning skills and time-management skills. Keep a balance between your academic and social life. Engage with campus activities.