Academic Advising

The goal of academic advising in the College of Arts and Sciences is to provide an ongoing and dynamic relationship between each student and adviser in order to facilitate the students' adjustment to and development within the academic environment.

Drake University’s blended advising model:

The blended advising model is effective starting Fall 2023 and will be extended to incoming students. Students who enrolled before this date will continue to receive support through the previous advising structure for the remainder of their time at Drake.

The goal of Academic Advising in the College of Arts and Sciences is to foster an ongoing and dynamic relationship with each student, their academic advising specialist and faculty mentor to facilitate the students’ adjustment to and development within the academic environment.

Drake University utilizes a blended advising model for a team-based approach to student support. Each student is assigned an “academic care team” that consists of an advising specialist in their primary major, as well as a faculty mentor within their majors, minors, and concentrations.

The support offered by academic advising specialists takes many forms. Students and advisors can work together to create individualized education plans including course registration, connecting to resources, developing academic success strategies, or reviewing academic performance.

Faculty mentors provide guidance within their programs of study to support students in their personal and professional goals. This can be through discovering and identifying interests, exploring different career paths, and thinking through relevant internship and study abroad opportunities.

Who can benefit from advising?

In short, everyone. Students that regularly consult and build meaningful relationships with one or more members of their academic care team are more likely to graduate “on time,” have an overall more enjoyable college experience, and develop more robust academic, personal, and professional skills. Advisors acknowledge that first year and sophomore students rapidly develop new interests, and changes of intent are common. It is beneficial for students to consult with their advisors frequently as they adjust their educational goals during this time. Transfer students are also particularly encouraged to connect with their advising specialists to review the evaluation of transfer credits and how they will be distributed among the specific requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Drake recognizes that there is no one size fits all to advising. Each student requires their own individualized support, making it critical to provide the necessary resources and to ensure there are multiple people in each student’s corner.

Who makes up my academic care team?

To locate the name of your assigned academic advisor and/or faculty mentor, login to MyDrake and navigate to self-service. From there, click student records and then student profile. 

Initial advisor assignments are usually determined by the Office of the Dean. Students may request a specific academic advisor and/or faculty mentor. Students may also request a change of advisors at any point.

All inquiries regarding evaluation of credit, distribution of credit hours, advisor and mentor assignments and changes should first be directed to the Office of the Dean.

How can I make an appointment with my advisor through Starfish?

First login to MyDrake and navigate to Starfish. From there click on “My Success Network.” Select the advisor you would like to meet with and click “Schedule Appointment.”

When creating an appointment, be sure to provide a brief yet detailed explanation of your questions and what you hope to achieve during the meeting. Providing this information in advance allows your advisor to prepare properly, ensuring your time together is both efficient and productive.

• Important Terms & Abbreviations
• Meeting with Your Adviser or Faculty Mentor