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Mike Dial

Associate Director, Undergraduate Academic Advising

Interim Academic Advisor

I believe that higher education is pivotal for the personal and professional growth of individuals, shaping society's progress and expansion. It equips students with avenues to broaden their knowledge, sharpen critical thinking, and amass vital experiences crucial for success in their chosen domains. Higher education also hones social, communicative abilities, instills cultural and global cognizance, and nurtures personal evolution. Higher education is an investment with immense potential to benefit individuals, communities, and society. 

 

Beyond the classroom, academic advising stands as a cornerstone of the higher education experience. It serves as a guiding compass for students, helping them navigate the vast academic landscape, make informed decisions about their educational paths, and connect their academic pursuits with their long-term goals. A strong advising relationship can deeply enhance a student's educational experience, ensuring they are not only accumulating knowledge but also effectively applying and integrating it to fulfill their aspirations. 

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Basic Needs

We all have unique circumstances that may affect our educational experiences. Creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment is my top priority, which is why I have intentionally placed this basic needs statement at the beginning of the syllabus to emphasize that our mutual humanity comes first. I am committed to providing support to ensure that all students have equal opportunities to learn and excel during their experience at USC.

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Challenges related to physical or mental health, disabilities, finances, family obligations, or cultural differences may affect academic performance.  Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns about challenges you encounter, resources available to you, or if you require any assistance to succeed at USC. 

Preparing for Academic Advising

​It's important that you take ownership of your educational experience. Before attending advising, please be sure to cmplete the following action items.

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  • Schedule an advising appointment.  

    • You must meet with your academic advisor each semester before you will be able to register for courses. Your advising hold will not be lifted until you meet with your advisor.

  • Using DegreeWorks, the Bulletin, and/or your appropriate major map, identify courses that you could take next semester.

    • Look for degree requirements you have not yet met and a listing of courses that can be taken in order to meet that requirement.

  • If you haven't already declared a minor, explore the minors available at UofSC using the Programs A-Z list in the Academic Bulletin. 

    • Find a minor that sounds interesting. If you click on the name of a minor, you can view an overview of the program.

    • Click the "Requirements" tab to view required courses in the minor.

  • Explore beyond-the classroom activities and engagements that might interest you now and in the coming years.

  • Complete and submit a Pre-Advising Form

After your Advising Appointment

As we approach Registration Week....

  • Check your Registration Status and Holds

    • Make sure you don't have any holds that will keep you from registering for courses. You will have a specific 'time ticket' when you will be able to begin registering for classes. Learn how to view registration status & holds in Self Service Carolina. View a list of common holds & restrictions.

    • If we have met for advising but I have not released your advising hold, please contact me so that I can correct that for you.

  • Check your advised courses for next semester in DegreeWorks

    • Log in to Self Service Carolina to access DegreeWorks. Once in DegreeWorks, scroll to the very bottom of your worksheet tab. I have entered your advised courses for next semester in the Notes section. 

  • Prepare to register for courses

    • ​Use Schedule Planner to help you plan and prepare for registration.

    • Some courses may have restrictions or are full once you're able to register, knowing the course override process will help you to request a seat in a course.

  • ​Register for your courses​​

Adding and Dropping Classes

Please visit the University Advising Center's Add/Drop FAQs for helpful information. If at all possible, please connect with me before dropping classes. Dropping classes may have important consequences for your degree progression and ability to retain scholarships. If you need to drop a course, the video below will walk you through the steps for doing so.

Post-Registration Checklist

It's important to make sure that you have enrolled in courses that are applicable to your degree program and to make sure that you have registered for enough credit hours to both make timely progress toward your degree and to retain any scholarships you have earned. 

Here are some important things you can do to make sure you're staying on track:

  • Check to be sure that you have registered for at least 15 credit hours.

    • By completing 15 credit hours each semester, you will stay on track to graduate in eight semesters (four academic years). Several scholarships (LIFE, Palmetto Fellows, etc.) also require that you complete 30 hours/year. 

  • Check that all courses you have registered for a degree-applicable and not repeated courses.

    • Using DegreeWorks worksheet and scroll to the bottom 

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