Honors College

Defining Experience

About
Academics
Admissions
Student Life
For Faculty
Alumni & Parents
- Alumni & Parent News
- Support Us
News & Events

Honors Courses
Experiential Learning
Curriculum
Our First-Year Program
Honors Advising
Capstone & Networking
Graduating with Honors
VCUarts Qatar

Honors Advising

Home
Academics
Honors Advising

What is Honors Academic Advising?

A hallmark of the Honors College is our dedicated Honors College Academic Advising. Honors advising is more than just schedule planning. Our experienced advising staff will work with you to make the most of your time at VCU, helping you to succeed in your classes as well as introducing you to opportunities within the university and the Richmond community. Your personal Honors advisor will work with you one-on-one during your four years in the Honors College, helping you graduate on time and accomplish your goals.

What can my advisor do for me?

Your Honors advisor is a resource that helps bridge the gap between who you are and where you want to go. Common areas where our advisors help students include the following:

Understanding the Honors curriculum
Creating a graduation plan
Deciding what to major in
Finding resources on campus
Exploring research opportunities
Study abroad
Joining a Living Learning Community
Applying to graduate and professional programs
Deciding what you want to do after you graduate

How can I help?

Honors Academic Advising is a developmental and collaborative process. Your advisor is there to help you by providing you resources and appropriate referrals to make well-informed decisions, but you as a student also need to take ownership of your education. Advising works best when you come to your appointment prepared, and follow up on your advisor's recommendations, including reaching out to campus and community partners.

When do I see an Honors advisor?

All first-year students are required to meet with their Honors advisor once per semester. After your first year, you have access to both a departmental advisor (for your major) and an Honors advisor. We encourage you to meet with an Honors advisor once a year as well as during the semester before graduation.

Making an Appointment

Our advisors hold walk-in hours at the start of every semester. Please see the Honors College Weekly Update for these hours.

Students sign up for an advising appointment through their advisors’ Google Calendar. Please make sure you are logged into your MyMail Google VCU account when making an appointment.

You can also reach our advisors by calling our front desk at 804-828-1803.

How do I prepare for my advising appointment?

Honors advising is a collaborative process. In order to make the most of your 30-minute advising appointment, please complete the following tasks carefully and thoroughly:

1. Look up the requirements for your major(s). Use the online Undergraduate Bulletin. Bring the list of requirements, noting those you have not met, with you to advising.
2. Review Degree Works available through eServices to help you identify which courses you still need to take.
3. After identifying courses you still need to take, build a prospective schedule.
4. Make a list of any questions you have for your advisor to bring with you.
5. Bring materials to take notes. Students are expected to take notes during their advising appointment.
6. Upperclass students are expected to also meet with their major or program-specific advisor at least once a semester.

Missing advising appointments

First year students are required to meet with their advisor once per semester to be able to sign up for classes. Missing an appointment with your academic advisor without notice will also result in a hold being placed on your account. If you do need to reschedule an appointment, please contact your advisor as soon as possible.

Advising Assignments

Students are assigned to an advisor based on their school, major or program of study:

Ben Plache