Academic Advising
Advising is essential to academic progress and student success at Howard University. The advisement experience also helps to prepare students for career and leadership opportunities after graduation.
The role of the academic advisor extends beyond course and program scheduling. Advisors can assist the student with virtually all aspects of the academic experience and provide information regarding campus resources as needed. Some of the specific responsibilities of academic advisors include but are not limited to:
- Monitoring academic progress
- Selection of courses and educational programs
- Assistance with goal setting
- Assistance with personal growth and career development
- Clarification of academic and institutional policies
- Assistance with academic issues
- Assistance with personal concerns
- Navigation within the campus environment
- Assistance with campus resource identification and utilization
- Assistance with financial matters
Contact Us
Chadwick A. Boseman
College of Fine Arts
Center for Student Success
2455 Sixth Street, NW
Room 1004
Washington, DC 20059
Director of Enrollment and Academic Services
- Tammy McCants
- tmccants@howard.edu
Advising Services Coordinator
Department of Art
- Iesha Washburn
- iesha.washburn@howard.edu
Advising Services Coordinator
Department of Music
- Genesis Neely
- genesis.neely@howard.edu
Advising Services Coordinator
Department of Theatre Arts
- Crystal Donaldson
- crystal.donaldson@howard.edu
General Inquirires:
finearts-css@howard.edu
Finding Your Advisor
Students enrolled in the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts are assigned an Advising Services Coordinator through their department to assist them in planning and following a given educational program of study. An Coordinator’s assistance is invaluable in helping students define a given program of study or career goal. Students in graduate programs in the College are also required to utilize their Coordinator as assigned in progress towards completion of their educational program. The Coordinator’s signature is required on all registration cards, change of program forms and related academic forms.
- All major/minor students are advised by the appropriate Advising Services Coordinator.
- Students are required to plan programs, register for courses and discuss their career goals with their Advising Services Coordinator who may provide further counseling, if necessary.
- A student may withdraw from a course up to 12 weeks (Fall and Spring semesters only, as Summer deadlines are generally the first day of classes for the session) after the first day of instruction and receive a grade of “W” (withdrawal) that has no grade point value. Withdrawals processed by the deadline date for course ADDS are treated as course DROPS. Withdrawals AFTER the Change of Program deadline are processed with the “W” grade.
- It is the responsibility of the student to make regular appointments (at least 3) with their Advising Services Coordinator each semester for the purposes of pre-registration advisement and updating of all Departmental academic forms.
- Students experiencing classroom difficulties are advised to seek resolution with the instructor of the class. If the student cannot resolve their problem on that level they should request a conference with the Chair of the Department.
- Transfer students are advised by the Advising Services Coordinator. Eligible transfer credits must be from an accredited institution and in courses for which the student made a “C” or better. Note that only the credits transfer in, not the grades. All courses taken at other institutions are not automatically eligible or accepted. Course Credit can only be transferred in if Howard University offers a course with similar content as that taken at another institution. Also, some courses may be contingent upon level of coursework reflective of the Program in the respective Department. In those incidences, the student will only receive credit up to the level that the evaluators indicate. Be advised that transfer students may have to extend their time at Howard University in order to take the required courses in the proper sequence.
When to See Your Advisor
You are urged to contact your advisor on any matters related to your educational progress. You are responsible for helping your advisor help you by sharing essential information about your academic progress, strengths, weaknesses, interests, and goals. All students must report to their advisor prior to every General Registration period. Ideally, students should see their advisors at least three times per semester, at the beginning, near the midterm, and at the conclusion of the semester.
All advisory sessions should be documented. Students should seek out advising assistance any time they are experiencing a problem or have outstanding issues. Students are discouraged from registering for courses without consultation and advising approval by their academic program.
What to Expect of Your Advisor
Students have a right to expect their advisor to:
- Have posted reasonable office hours of availability throughout the academic semester
- Maintain appointments with students on a timely basis
- Be knowledgeable about educational program requirements, curriculum, and professional and career opportunities within their field of expertise
- Be knowledgeable about academic requirements, institutional policies and procedures to ensure academic success
- Seek information they do not know or refer you to the appropriate campus resources as needed
What Your Advisor Expects of You
Students have a responsibility to:
- Read and understand the academic policies and procedures contained in official Howard University publications and on its official website
- Consult with their Advising Services Coordinator during registration periods for course scheduling and any program modification
- Inform their Advising Services Coordinator of any academic difficulties, program or career changes
- Maintain scheduled appointments with their Advising Services Coordinator and be prepared for advisement sessions with any supporting documentation or materials which could assist the advisor
Provide Advising Services Coordinator with feedback and follow through on advisor recommendations as needed.
Choosing A Major
A major is a series of courses (consisting of 24 to 39 credit hours) required for a concentration in a specific department.
A minor is a combination of courses (usually 15 to 18 credit hours) taken to support the major or broaden your perspective.
If you are not sure of your major:
-- Discuss your concerns with your Advising Services Coordinator, faculty members, and/or counselors at the University Counseling Service or Career Services offices.
-- Learn about yourself – your interests, skills, and abilities; consider exploring a new area by auditing a course (participating without credit or grade).
-- Think about what you want to be doing 10 years from now.
-- Find out about the job market and opportunities for majors after graduation.
-- Consider how you feel about attending graduate or professional school, which is a requirement for certain professions.
-- Determine which courses and programs will take you where you want to go.
-- Choose a major that best expresses who you are and who you would like to become.
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