TREK BU 2012 Coming April 30 to May 11

Dear First Year Student:

Welcome to Brandon University! As you begin the transition to BU, I am confident that our staff in Student Services will be able to navigate you with the resources and advice you’ll need, to begin your journey at BU on the right foot. Please feel free to browse our site and register for this journey!

What is mandatory advising?

Mandatory advising within Student Services, is an essential part of creating a positive first year experience and transition for new students enrolling at Brandon University. Throughout their entire academic career, students are encouraged to actively take part in advising, by meeting initially with their assigned advisor in Student Services (during the first 18 earned hours) and eventually their program advisor for their declared major through graduation. Prior to registration, first year students are notified of their assigned advisor by mail. Students will need to contact Student Services to set an appointment with their assigned advisor and attend one of the late Spring/Summer sessions (please see http://www.brandonu.ca/student-services/academic-advising/for more information). Students will have an advising hold placed on their account automatically, once they’ve been accepted to Brandon University. Students will not be allowed to register for classes until they have met with their advisor and the hold has been removed. Mandatory advising holds ordinarily will be removed no more than one business day after the student has seen her or his advisor. Students with mandatory advising should meet with their advisors at the earliest opportunity to avoid problems with registration delays and course availability.

Although students are only required to attend a one-time, mandatory advising session, advisors are available within Student Services every semester (up to 18 earned hours) to assist students and answer questions about academic planning and degree requirements. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of the various resources within their declared faculty. Students at Brandon University are ultimately responsible for managing their own academic success.

How do I make an advising appointment?

To make an advising appointment choose your Trek from the links below. Registration directions will be given on the page of the Trek you choose.

• TREK BU: The Journey Begins
• TREK BU: Base Camp (Monday mornings throughout the spring and summer)
• TREK BU: Trans Canada Trail

How should I prepare for my advising appointment?

• Make sure you arrive for your appointment on time.
• Turn off your cell phone or place it on silent.
• Be prepared to discuss course options, address academic problems or concerns, make decisions about the upcoming semester, and explore major/minor options.
• Make a list of potential courses for the next semester you are interested in taking.
• Explore Degree Worksheets for majors you might be interested in.

Once again, welcome to Brandon University, I hope your travelled trails throughout TREK 2012 are worthwhile and enjoyable. If you have any additional questions, do not hesitate to contact Student Services at 727-9769 or 727-9739.

Sincerely,

David Rowland
Dean of Students
Brandon University