- ☐ Find my advisor in SOAR and save their contact information.
- ☐ Meet with my advisor before registering for classes.
- ☐ Review my degree requirements and Gen Ed requirements in Stellic and the Gen Ed resources.
- ☐ Explore majors, minors, and programs that match my interests.
- ☐ Build a balanced first-semester schedule that includes courses I need and courses that support my interests.
- ☐ Learn about campus resources that can help me succeed academically and personally.
- ☐ Keep track of important dates such as registration, add/drop, and withdrawal deadlines.
- ☐ Ask questions early if I am unsure about a class, a major, or a requirement.
Helpful focus for first year: adjust to college, build good habits, and make a strong start. IUB’s new-student advising pages specifically encourage students to explore programs, choose courses, and check transferred credit before orientation advising.
- ☐ Meet with my advisor to review my progress and adjust my plan if needed.
- ☐ Confirm that I am making progress toward my major and degree requirements.
- ☐ Consider declaring a major or confirming that my current major is the right fit.
- ☐ Explore a minor, certificate, concentration, or related field of study.
- ☐ Look for leadership, involvement, or campus employment opportunities.
- ☐ Begin thinking about internships, research, study abroad, or other experiential learning.
- ☐ Review my academic standing and make sure I understand any concerns or holds.
- ☐ Update my resume and start connecting my classes to career goals.
Helpful focus for sophomore year: deepen your academic direction and start connecting your coursework to future opportunities. Peer institutions often use this year to move students from general adjustment into leadership, faculty connection, and career preparation.
- ☐ Meet with my advisor to review what I still need for graduation.
- ☐ Confirm that my major requirements, Gen Ed requirements, and elective choices are on track.
- ☐ Check whether I need to complete any major-specific milestones, applications, or prerequisites.
- ☐ Talk with my advisor about internships, undergraduate research, study abroad, or career preparation.
- ☐ Update my resume, LinkedIn profile, and professional materials.
- ☐ Identify faculty, supervisors, or mentors who can serve as references.
- ☐ Review graduation requirements early so I understand my timeline.
- ☐ Make a plan for any remaining general education or upper-level course needs.
Helpful focus for junior year: Turn your academic plan into a graduation plan. Peer institutions often use junior-year checklists to emphasize resumes, internships, career fairs, graduate school planning, and making sure degree requirements are on track.
- ☐ Meet with my advisor to review my final graduation plan.
- ☐ Make sure I have completed all degree, major, and Gen Ed requirements.
- ☐ Confirm that I understand what I still need to graduate on time.
- ☐ Apply for graduation by the deadline set by my school or college.
- ☐ Review my schedule to be sure I have the right courses for my final semester.
- ☐ Prepare for next steps after graduation, such as employment, graduate school, or service opportunities.
- ☐ Ask for letters of recommendation or references early if I need them.
- ☐ Update my resume and complete any final career preparation steps.
Helpful focus for senior year: Finish strong, confirm all requirements, and prepare for what comes next. Peer institutions commonly use senior checklists for graduation planning and transition to employment or graduate study.
- ☐ Review how my transfer credit applies to my degree.
- ☐ Meet with my advisor as soon as possible to plan my first term at IU Bloomington.
- ☐ Learn the Gen Ed and major requirements that still apply to me.
- ☐ Confirm how my transfer courses affect my graduation timeline.
- ☐ Explore campus resources that support transfer student success.
Helpful focus for transfer students: Understand how your previous coursework fits into your IU Bloomington degree plan. IUB’s advising pages specifically point students to transferred credit review, course planning, and degree-tracking tools.
