Academic Advising Contract

The Department of Computer Science (CS) Undergraduate Academic Advising Contract

This document is intended to inform all CS students of the responsibilities and expectations for CS academic advisors and their advisees.

Students: please read all of the information on this page, and then click the link at the bottom of the page to acknowledge that you have read it. Thank you!

As advisors we are here to help, and we will do everything within reason to support our students. However, it is your responsibility to be aware of policies, dates and deadlines, and program requirements, and to bring concerns and requests to your advisor in a timely manner.  Please respect both your advisor's time and the time and needs of the other students your advisor serves.

Your Academic Advisor will:

  • Serve as the departmental and university contact for our CS students
  • Provide expertise in department & university academic policies and processes (including but not limited to: SAP appeals, readmission, academic eligibility, petitions) 
  • Guide students in course selection for progression through the CS major and general degree requirements
  • Assist students with identifying and connecting with on-campus resources
  • Teach students how to locate academic and non-academic resources 
  • Teach students how to understand their advisement report/degree & major requirements 
  • Provide a safe space for students to share openly & without fear of judgment 
  • Provide positive interactions with students
  • Respond to email from students within 3-5 business days (M-F 8-5)
  • Provide advice on how to navigate complex situations with faculty and the university and advocate for the student as appropriate

Your Academic Advisor will NOT:

  • Advise on matters related to scholarships and/or financial aid. Students should contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid for all matters related to scholarships and financial aid. 
  • Advise on non-CS programs (other majors, minors, or certificates) 
  • Inform faculty or other university staff how they should respond to student requests or extenuating circumstances, beyond identifying and directing all parties to relevant policy

CS Students will:

  • Take an active role/lead in all matters related to your academics and time at the University of Arizona
  • Take responsibility for your actions and inactions 
  • Advocate for yourself! Speak up and contact your advisor when issues arise and/or when something needs to be clarified 
  • Meet with your advisor(s) at least once a semester 
  • Regularly review your advisement report and check your progress towards degree completion
  • Stay informed of current events by reading emails from the department and university
  • Join and check the CS discord server (request an invitation by emailing admin@cs.arizona.edu with the subject line "I want to join Discord Server")
  • Become familiar with (and stay up to date on) the information on the CS website
  • Check your email daily and respond in a timely manner (3-5 business days)
  • Know the university dates and deadlines (course enrollment/priority registration, drop deadlines, etc.)
  • Look for solutions and resources when you encounter a challenge or have questions

Please DO contact your advisor as soon as an issue (big or small) arises.


Please fill out the Acknowledgement Form to confirm that you have read this page. Thank you!