Academic Advisors
Every College of Design student is assigned a professional academic advisor who will work with you from New Student Orientation through graduation. If you are a prospective student please reach out to the Office of Admissions, which provides advising to students who are not yet enrolled in the College of Design.
Empowering Your Academic Journey: Here’s How Advisors Can Help
While students first meet with advisors for assistance in understanding their major and minor requirements, the role of an advisor goes far beyond that! Advisors are here to help you navigate your entire academic journey, offering guidance on course selection, personal reflection and development opportunities as well as connecting you to career exploration. They can connect you with valuable resources to participate in internship opportunities, research projects, and student organizations that align with your interests.
Moreover, advisors are a supportive resource when it comes to addressing challenges, whether you’re considering a change in your major, exploring study-away options, or managing academic stress. They provide a safe space for discussing your goals and aspirations, ensuring you feel empowered and informed every step of the way. Remember, your advisor is here to help you thrive, both academically and personally!
Getting Connected: Schedule an Appointment
Connecting with your advisor is key to navigating your academic experience, so don’t hesitate to reach out. For quick questions, emailing is a great option—your advisor is just a message away!
Schedule an appointment with your advisor below. You’ll see all the available meeting options (in-person, Zoom, phone) for each time slot.
- Online Scheduling Tips
- It may take a minute or two for your schedule to load. Choose a time before you close out of the scheduling page.
- If you are unable to view a date/time, click to the next week until you find one that works for you. If you cannot find any times that work with your schedule, email your advisor to request a day and time.
If you have any difficulties, reach out to [email protected] or call us at 612-624-1717 or 612-626-3690. We’re here to assist you!
Director of Academic Advising
Meet the Advisors
Apparel Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, and Retail and Consumer Studies
Advisors for these majors are located in 32 McNeal Hall on the St. Paul Campus.
Architecture, Landscape Design, Product Design, and UX Design
Advisors for these majors are located in 107 Rapson Hall on the East Bank.
Advising: Frequently Asked Questions
Who can newly admitted students contact for advising help?
Newly admitted freshmen and transfer students from outside of the U of M-Twin Cities campus
You will meet your academic advisor at New Student Orientation. If you have questions regarding New Student Orientation, please contact the College of Design at 612-626-3690 or [email protected].
Newly admitted transfer students from within the U of M-Twin Cities campus
Within one week after receiving your admissions email, your APAS will be updated to reflect the name of your academic advisor. To schedule an advising appointment after that point, please use our online scheduling tool. Simply visit our advising page and click on "Make an appointment" under your advisor's name. (Please note that advisors do not schedule their own appointments.)
Who can prospective College of Design students contact for advising help?
Prospective students should reach out to our admissions counselors. Prospective freshmen should contact our Freshman Admissions Counselor Caren Blaschke while prospective transfer students should reach out to [email protected].
What topics can my academic advisor help me with?
Advisors serve as students' first point of contact for questions, concerns, ideas, and issues.
- Explore engagement opportunities like undergraduate research, leadership roles, service learning, and student organizations.
- Understand your path to progressing to full-major status.
- Discover internship info and how to navigate the process.
- Learn about international study abroad and national exchange options.
- Receive referrals to other campus resources and supports that can help you.
- Get guidance on selecting a minor or a second major.
- Discuss any changes in your academic status, like reducing your credit load or taking a leave of absence.
- Navigate the college and university petitions and other forms.
- Receive support if you're on academic probation.
- Find out how to get registration holds released.
- Get advice on changing your major or if you're still exploring options.
- Prepare for a smooth transition to graduation.
How should I prepare for an appointment?
When meeting with an advisor, it’s your responsibility to:
- Read and understand your Academic Progress Audit System (APAS) and your program's four-year plan, and ask your advisor if you have questions on either
- Schedule appointments early and arrive on time
- Stay current on collegiate and University policies, deadlines, and resources
- Make satisfactory academic progress toward timely graduation
- Make and be accountable for your own decisions about your academic life
- Treat your advisor in a respectful, professional manner (which includes turning off your cell phone during appointments)
It’s your advisor’s responsibility to:
- Advise you in a knowledgeable, professional, and respectful manner
- Communicate to you pertinent collegiate and University information, including changes to your degree program
- Allow you to make your own decisions about your academic life
- Keep appropriate information about you confidential
How do I apply for a minor within the College of Design?
The College of Design offers nine undergraduate minors, which are available to any U of M Twin Cities student. To apply to a minor, visit its page and click on the “apply online” button. To ask an advising question, email the advisor at [email protected].
Architecture
Fashion Studies
Interdisciplinary Design
Interior Environments
Landscape Design and Planning
Lighting Design
Product Design
Public Interest Design
Retail and Consumer Studies
User Experience (UX)
