The enrollment process can be daunting for students trying to map out their academic futures. From academic advising appointments to PIN numbers to course schedules, students have a lot to remember. What many students are not aware of however, are the numerous resources available to assist them through this process.

The first step students should take involves finding and setting up an appointment with an academic adviser. Whether it be an adviser that is department-specific or from the office of Academic Advising, it is important that students find someone to talk to that they can trust and rely on.

Dannah Hartley, an academic adviser in the CUSP office, cannot stress enough how important the advising process is for students.

“A lot of students think advising is strictly picking out classes,” Hartley said. “That’s part of it, but there is so much more involved.”

With five advisers in the CUSP office, students who do not have department specific advisers or are looking to sit down and discuss their future are encouraged to call in to make an appointment or stop by the CUSP office in Morgan Hall, 122, to sign up for a 30-minute advising session.

“We can talk about more than classes,” Hartley said. “We can discuss majors, faculty, getting involved, jobs—we cover more areas of engagement than students imagine.”

Hartley also said it is important for students to find someone they are comfortable talking to.

It is also beneficial to students if they keep track of their own progress during their education. Students have direct access to unofficial academic transcripts and degree audits on their MyWashburn.

A degree audit breaks down all the requirements that students must complete in order to graduate. Audits are available on the Student tab under the Student Self-Service menu. By clicking the link that says Process Degree Audits/Transcripts, students can identify the requirements that they have already fulfilled.

The audit  also lists the detailed requirements needed, including major and minor requirements, general education requirements, university requirements, electives and a complete list of the classes taken. The audit also lists the number of credit hours completed in addition to the student’s grade point average.

Students who keep track of their academic progress will undoubtedly have a smoother transition from semester to semester. But it is important to remember that when in doubt, ask questions.

“We would love for students to come by the office as often as they have questions,” Hartley said. “It doesn’t have to be just once a semester.”