By DeShaun Gomez, Sociology Major, CLA Ambassador

As we approach Valentine’s Day we should remember not only how much we love one another but also how much we don’t want to forget about making advising appointments to get our registration PINs. It’s required that all first-year students in the College of Liberal Arts meet with an advisor in our main office once a term to get a PIN for registration. Some may see this as a bother and that they don’t have time to come in, but it’s really important to remember that you can’t do this whole college thing alone! (Or you could, but it’d be rather hard). Our wonderful advisors are here to help guide you to the right classes and also check in and make sure you’re doing okay.

Don’t look at your advising appointment as something that is simply a time for someone to tell you what classes you should take. Utilize your time with the advisors to ask questions about anything! Are you uncertain that this major is right for you? Are you contemplating a minor but not sure what to do? Perhaps you would like to know about volunteer or internship opportunities? What about study abroad? Or maybe you just want someone to talk to about how your first year of college has been so far! These advising appointments allow you to address any interests or concerns you might have about your education.

I suggest coming prepared! Have questions for the advisors and even some suggestions on classes. Maybe you have a new found interest in something and want to know if there is a class you could take that’s related to it. Perhaps you want a class that will challenge you and allow you to learn something you’ve never learned before. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about these things, that’s what the advisors are there for! The more questions you ask, the better the advising appointment.

Don’t forget to make your advising appointments ahead of time! Happy Registration!