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Advising for New AU Students Supporting students in their first year of college

Welcome to American University! This page will help incoming students navigate advising in their first year at AU. Regardless of intended major, this page will help students understand the first steps for advising.

Are you an incoming first-year student with questions about registration? You will receive the New Eagle Questionnaire (NEQ) in May to your AU Email! On June 4th, you'll receive an email from your advisor with more information about registration and recommended courses based on that NEQ. Please wait until then to schedule advising appointments. Have questions in the meantime? Please email undergradstudies@american.edu!

Undergraduate Education and Academic Student Services Purpose Statement

To support and advance student learning, success, and thriving through transformative educational experiences

Shared Advising Mission Statement

To engage holistic and collaborative academic advising that assists students in achieving their academic, personal, and career goals focused on graduating engaged and productive citizens who respect diverse perspectives.

Holistic Advising

All students will receive information about advisement from the Advising Unit of their intended major. Advisors provide support as students navigate AU academically, socially, culturally and psychologically. Advisors provide the highest level of student service and advocacy possible, but also recognize the importance of student responsibility and self-efficacy. We provide students with all of their options and then support them in making and taking ownership of their decisions and education.

Major-Based Academic Advising

In the first year, students have one intended major and will receive an Academic Advisor based on that primary intended major. Students officially declare their major in the second year. Students who wish to pursue a second major or minor will be able to officially declare those after they officially declare their first major. 

 

Registration Support

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Eagle Service 101 Resource

View Resource

Provides information on the Student Planner feature in Eagle Service

  • Understand how to search for classes and add them to your planner

  • Viewing the "Section Details" screen to find information on pre-requisites, restrictions, & more

  • Registering for courses and more.

"American University 2023-24 Catalog" is written over image of AU's quad during the fall.

University Catalog

Go to the Catalog

The University Catalog is published each year (over the summer) and includes:

  • Academic Programs (major, minor, certificate requirements)

  • Academic Calendars (add/drop deadline, withdrawal deadline, etc.)

  • University Regulations and Policies

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Registration Resources

Start Here

To assist in your registration, you will have access to

  • Suggested courses for your intended major

  • A course planning checklist that will guide you through the course planning process including items to reflect on, items to prepare for, and items to plan.