Advising Basics
Your academic advisor is assigned based on your major or academic program. If you are exploring majors, pre-business, or pre-nursing, you may work with an advisor in Advising & Major Exploration Services (AMES). You can find your advisor in SOAR.
You should meet with your advisor at least once each semester, before registering for classes, when considering changing majors or adding a minor, if you are struggling academically, or anytime you have questions.
Academic advisors in Health Professions and Pre-Law Advising guide students with these interests and serve to supplement your primary academic advisors.HPPLA advisors will help you understand the most appropriate course to take and requirement to pursue your interests after graduation.
Academic advisors help you identify interests, skills, values and goals, explore majors and career interests, understand degree requirements and university policies, plan your courses, and connect with campus resources. Advisors provide guidance and support, but you are responsible for your decisions and progress.
You are expected to take an active role in advising by preparing for appointments, understanding your degree requirements, asking questions, and following through on your academic plans and deadlines.
Advisors are typically assigned based on your program. If you have concerns, you can contact your advising office to discuss options.
You can add or drop classes through during the official add/drop period using
Stellic. After deadlines pass, options may be limited, so consult your advisor.
Dropping a class in the first week of the term does not appear on your transcript. Withdrawing after this results in a “W” on your transcript.You cannot withdrawal from a course after the Auto-W deadline without approval from your academic unit.
Withdrawal deadlines vary each semester. Refer to the Official Academic Calendar for specific dates and deadlines.
You can drop a course through the end of the Auto-W deadline yourself with a “W” grade.
Most full-time students take 12–15 credit hours per semester. To graduate in four years, many students take about 15 credits per semester. Your ideal course load depends on your situation—consult with your advisor.
Undergraduate students are considered full-time when enrolled in 12 or more credit hours.
Some courses may be taken pass/fail depending on school policies. Check with your advisor before choosing this option.
You can join a waitlist (if available), check back for openings, or work with your advisor to find alternatives.
Degree Programs
Most IU Bloomington bachelor’s degrees require at least 120 credit hours, though some programs may require more.
Gen Ed requirements include foundational courses in communication, mathematics, arts and humanities, social and historical studies, and natural sciences. Use your academic bulletin to see how Gen Ed courses fit into your degree.
You can track your progress using degree planning tools, your academic pathway(s) report in Stellic, and guidance from your advisor.
A degree audit shows completed requirements, remaining coursework, and your overall progress toward graduation. Use Stellic to run your degree audit.
Yes. Most students can change or add programs by meeting with an advisor, reviewing requirements, and submitting a request. Some programs have selective admission.
You can work with AMES advisors, explore majors through campus tools, and take exploratory courses to help clarify your interests.
You must apply to graduate through your school. Deadlines vary, so consult your advisor early, typically at least one semester before graduation.
Academic Policies & Support
You may receive an academic alert or be placed on academic watch. This is a signal to seek support from your advisor, instructors, and campus resources like the Student Academic Center.
Academic standing reflects your academic performance and may include good standing, academic watch, probation, or dismissal.
Fresh Start is a policy that allows eligible students to reset their GPA under specific conditions after time away from IUB.
Parental Access & FERPA
No. Only you can enroll in and manage your classes.
Not without your permission. FERPA protects your academic records.
FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of your education records. Your academic information belongs to you, and IU cannot share it without your consent.
Getting Help
Academic advising at IU Bloomington is delivered across schools, programs, and student support units. The following advising leaders represent key areas that support undergraduate student success across campus.
Academic Schools
College of Arts and Sciences
Director of Advising: Mark Hurley
Kelley School of Business
Director of Advising: Wendi Tai
School of Education
Director of Advising: John Sara
Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering
Director of Advising: Matt Broussard
The Media School
Director of Advising: Rebekah Leake
Jacobs School of Music
Director of Advising: Erin Smith
School of Nursing – Bloomington
Director of Advising: Ashley Burelison
O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs
Director of Undergraduate Student Services: Amy Bastin
School of Public Health – Bloomington
Director of Advising: Jessica Staten
School of Social Work
Assistant Dean: Yvonne Fitzgerald
Campus & Program Advising
21st Century Scholars Program
Director / Advising Lead: Vince Isom
Advising & Major Exploration Services (AMES)
Director: Daniel Lersch
Athletic Academic Advising (IU Athletics)
Senior Associate Director of Athletics: Lorian Price
Education Abroad
Director or Enrollment Management: Amanda Roshan-Rawaan
Groups Scholars Program
Director: Samuel Young
Health Professions & Prelaw Advising (HPPLA)
Director: Rachel Tolen
Hudson & Holland Scholars Program
Director: Sachet Watson
Hutton Honors College
Associate Director: Khalfan Mohammed
Not without your permission. FERPA protects your academic records.
IU offers many support services, including:
You can always start with your academic advisor. Academic advisors understand campus resources and are always willing to connect you with appropriate support.