Student Resources

Academic Advising at Longwood University

Longwood University takes academic advising seriously and expects students to do the same. Advising is a collaborative process designed to help students make informed decisions about coursework, academic policies, and long-term goals while progressing efficiently toward graduation.

Advisor Assignment

Declared majors: Newly admitted students who declare a major are assigned an academic advisor within the appropriate school.
Undeclared majors: Students who have not declared a major are advised by a specialized team of advisors participating in the Longwood Seminar program.
Advisor assignments generally remain the same unless a student changes their degree program.

Advising Requirements Before Registration
Before registering for classes, students must consult with their assigned academic advisor to discuss:

• Course selection
• Career goals
• Relevant academic policies and degree requirements

Advisor approval is required for registration. Students who do not meet with their advisor may be restricted from using web registration.

While advisors provide guidance and support, students are ultimately responsible for meeting all graduation requirements.

Advising Sessions and Registration PINs

• Individual advising sessions are held between faculty and students beginning one week prior to each semester’s registration period.
• Students are responsible for scheduling their advising appointments.
• Students with fewer than 45 earned credit hours must obtain a registration PIN from their advisor.
• Although not required after 45 credits, all students are strongly encouraged to continue meeting with their advisor to avoid costly self-advising errors.

Preparing for Your Advising Session
Not all courses are offered every semester. To make the most of your advising session, students should:

1. Review the current course schedule
2. Create:
   1. One preferred schedule
   2. At least two alternate schedules (especially important for first-year students who register last)
3. Check for potential time conflicts
4. Bring all proposed schedules to the advising session
5. Maintain an advising folder with notes and materials from prior sessions

Helpful Resources

• Graphic and Animation Design advising checklist (PDF)
• Academic Policies and Regulations (Registrar’s Office)
• Course Schedule

Key Advising Session: Second-Year Track Selection

A critical advising session occurs during the first semester of the sophomore year. During this meeting, students choose one of two tracks:

• Brand Identity and Media Design
• Animation, Simulation, and Time-Based Media Design

Discussion about this decision begins in the previous semester, allowing students time to explore options and understand how their choice affects required major and elective courses.

Application for Graduation
Students must file an Application for Graduation with the Longwood Registrar as soon as they have earned 89 credits.

• Earned credits are those completed with a final grade.
• Failure to file results in a registration hold, preventing course enrollment.
• The hold is removed once the application is submitted.

Graphic & Animation Design Program
Explore opportunities and resources within the Graphic & Animation Design area of study:

• Facilities and Design Lab
• Student opportunities and assessments
• Course listings
• Technology, software, and supply requirements
• Scholarships
• Faculty and staff
• Creative Work Showcase