How Advising Appointments Work at Ohio State University

What happens in an Ohio State advising appointment

An advising appointment at Ohio State is a one-on-one meeting with an academic advisor who knows your major, your degree requirements, and the courses available to you that semester. The advisor's job is to help you plan which courses to take next, understand what you need to graduate, and solve problems that are blocking your progress—like a prerequisite you haven't taken yet or a requirement you're unsure about.

Most appointments last 20 to 30 minutes. You'll discuss your academic goals, review your transcript to see what you've completed, and leave with a plan for registration. Some appointments are required before you can register for classes; others are optional but useful if you're stuck or changing direction.

The advisor will not make decisions for you. They'll explain your options, answer questions about requirements, and help you understand the consequences of different choices—but you choose which courses to take and when to take them.

Key Takeaways

• Bring your student ID and know which semester you're registering for, because advisors need to see your current transcript and degree audit to help you plan.
• Some colleges at Ohio State require an advising appointment before registration opens; others make it optional, so check your college's website to know whether yours is mandatory.
• You can book appointments through your college's advising office, usually online through a scheduling system or by phone—the method varies by college.
• If you're changing majors, switching colleges, or have a hold on your account, tell your advisor at the start so they know what to focus on.
• Advisors can answer questions about degree requirements, course prerequisites, and graduation timelines, but they cannot override holds, change grades, or enroll you in courses yourself.

How to schedule an advising appointment at Ohio State

Each college at Ohio State runs its own advising office, so the scheduling method depends on which college you're in. Most colleges use an online booking system where you log in, see available time slots, and pick one that works for you. Some offices also accept phone calls or walk-in appointments during specific hours.

To find your college's advising office and scheduling system, go to the Ohio State main website, search for your college by name, and look for "Academic Advising" or "Student Services." The advising office page will have the link to book an appointment, office hours, and the phone number if you prefer to call.

Appointments fill up quickly during peak times—usually the week before registration opens and the first two weeks of each semester. If you can't find an open slot, call the advising office directly; they often hold same-day or next-day spots for students who call.

What to bring and what to know before you go

Bring your student ID and know the semester you're registering for. Your advisor will pull up your degree audit—a document that shows which requirements you've completed and which ones you still need—and your transcript. Having this information ready speeds up the appointment.

If you're changing majors, switching colleges, or have a specific problem (like a prerequisite you're missing or a course that's full), mention it when you book the appointment or tell your advisor right at the start. This helps them prepare and focus the conversation on what matters to you.

If you have a hold on your account—a flag that prevents registration—your advisor can see it but usually cannot remove it themselves. They'll tell you what the hold is for and direct you to the right office to clear it. Common holds are for unpaid tuition, missing immunization records, or incomplete financial aid paperwork.

What advisors can and cannot do

Advisors can explain degree requirements, tell you which courses satisfy which requirements, discuss course schedules and workload, help you understand prerequisites, and answer questions about graduation timelines. They can also refer you to other offices if you need help with financial aid, disability services, or other support.

Advisors cannot enroll you in courses—you do that yourself during registration. They cannot override course prerequisites or change grades. They cannot remove holds from your account, though they can tell you what the hold is and where to go to clear it. They cannot may provide that a course will be open or that you'll get into a section you want.

If you need something your advisor can't do, they'll point you to the right office. For example, if you need a prerequisite waived, they'll tell you which department chair to contact and what documentation you might need.

Preparing for your appointment

Before you go, think about what you want to accomplish. Are you trying to finish your degree faster? Explore a different major? Understand a specific requirement? Solve a problem with your transcript? Having a clear goal makes the appointment more useful.

If you're unsure about your major or career direction, that's fine—advisors help with that too. But if you know you're uncertain, say so at the start. Your advisor can point you toward career services, major exploration resources, or other students in different programs who can talk about their experience.

If you have questions about specific courses, write them down. Your advisor may not know every detail about a course taught by a particular professor, but they can help you find that information or direct you to the department.

What happens after your appointment

After the appointment, you'll have a plan for which courses to take. Your advisor may send you a summary email or print out a plan sheet. You're responsible for registering yourself during your assigned registration window—advisors don't do this for you, and registration windows are staggered by class year.

If you run into problems during registration—a course is full, a prerequisite didn't clear, a section you wanted is gone—contact your advisor again. They can help you troubleshoot and find alternatives.

If your situation changes after the appointment (you change your mind about a course, you get a job offer that affects your schedule, you're struggling in a class), reach out to your advisor. They can help you adjust your plan mid-semester or plan for next semester.

When advising appointments are required versus optional

Some Ohio State colleges require all students to meet with an advisor before registration opens each semester. Others make advising optional but strongly encourage it, especially for first-year students and students changing majors. A few colleges have advising requirements only for students on academic probation or in specific situations.

Check your college's website or your degree audit to see whether advising is required for you. If it is required and you don't meet with an advisor, you may not be able to register for classes when your registration window opens. If it's optional, you can register without an appointment, but many students find it helpful anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do an advising appointment over Zoom or by phone instead of in person?

Many Ohio State colleges offer virtual appointments, especially for students who live far away or have scheduling conflicts. When you book your appointment, you'll usually see options for in-person, Zoom, or phone. If you don't see a virtual option, call the advising office and ask—they may be able to accommodate you.

What if I miss my advising appointment?

If you miss an appointment, contact your advising office as soon as possible to reschedule. If advising is required before registration and you miss your appointment, you may lose your registration window. Most offices will work with you to fit you in quickly if you reach out right away.

Can my advisor help me get into a course that's full?

Your advisor cannot enroll you in a full course, but they can tell you whether the course usually opens up later, whether there's a waitlist, or whether an alternative course covers the same requirement. Some departments also have processes for adding students to full courses—your advisor can explain how to request that.

Do I need an advising appointment if I'm graduating this semester?

If you're graduating soon, an advising appointment is especially useful to confirm you've completed all requirements and to understand graduation deadlines and procedures. Even if advising isn't required, it's worth scheduling to make sure nothing is missing.

What if I disagree with my advisor about which courses to take?

You're in control of your course choices. Your advisor makes recommendations based on your degree requirements and goals, but you decide what to register for. If you want a second opinion, you can meet with a different advisor or talk to your major department.