Academic Advising
Sometimes you know exactly where you want to go and what you want to do. Sometimes you know your destination, but aren’t sure how to get there. Sometimes, the whole path is foggy. That’s ok. No matter which path you’re on, we’re here to help.
Academic advisors help exploratory and undecided students examine various career possibilities and help them choose a major that will be both practical and meaningful to their unique lives and dreams. The advisors in the EXCEL Center advise students in the pre-major and early major programs (criminology, mass communications, pre-nursing, pre-psychology, and sociology) as well as those students who are truly undecided. An academic advisement appointment typically consists of evaluating the student's past and current coursework, as well as planning a manageable schedule for the following semester.
Who is My Advisor?
If you have not declared a major or if you are an early or pre-major, then call the EXCEL Center at 678.839.6280 to make your advisement appointment.
If you have declared a major...
- College of Arts & Humanities: See a faculty member in your major department.
- College of Social Sciences: Criminology, Mass Communications, and Sociology majors with over 45 credit hours completed, schedule your advising appointment here. All Pre-Psychology majors schedule your appointment here. All others, see a faculty member in your major department.
- College of Science & Mathematics: See a faculty member in your major department.
- Richards College of Business: Make your appointment online through the RCOB website.
- College of Education : Make your appointment online through the Education website.
- Honors College: Email the Honors College: mhildebr@westga.edu to make an appointment.
- School of Nursing: Check the Pre-Nursing CourseDen community to see who your advisor is or contact the EXCEL Center.
Have any questions? E-mail an advisor: helpme@westga.edu
GPA Calculator
Want to calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)? Follow the instructions to log in to WolfWatch to calculate your GPA! Please call the EXCEL Center at 678.839.6280 if you have any questions or to speak with an Academic Advisor!
For online help with the registration process, click on a link below to get step-by-step instructions.
Useful Links:
Getting Internet Access
How to Register
Using Banweb to Register
How You Can Help Yourself in the Advisement Process
What You Can Expect From Your Advisor
What Your Advisor Expects From You
You should also check out the Core Curriculum Guide.
Getting Internet Access: (Back to Links)
If you don't have Internet access at home, there are many computer labs on campus available for students to register on the web. The EXCEL Center offers Internet access in the UWGeek Squad lab in Room 211 of the UCC Monday through Thursday from 8:00am-8:00pm and Fridays from 8:00am-5:00pm. {Summer hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am-5:00pm} The University Community Center and the Registrar's Office also offer web registration. You can also register in person at the Registrar's Office (located in Parker Hall) on or after your assigned day. To do this, you must have a signed registration form from your advisor. The Registrar's Office is open for registration on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9:00am-4:45pm.
How to Register: (Back to Links)
First you need to meet with your assigned Academic Advisor. If you have a major, you are advised in your major department. Undecided students and select Pre-Majors are advised at the EXCEL center. Know your registration date - it should be listed on flyers around campus as well as be available within The Scoop. You are able to register online, using the instructions below, or you may go to the Registrar's office in Parker Hall. If you plan to make changes to your schedule, be sure to consult the Core Curriculum Guide or check back with your advisor. After registering, be sure to print your bill and pay it to avoid any late registration fees.
Using Banweb to Register: (Back to Links) Click HERE for a video tutorial.
- Go to http://myuwg.westga.edu/.
- Enter your username and password and click on Login
- Once inside the portal, click on the BanWeb tab
- Click on Student Services & Financial Aid
- Click on Registration and Fee Payment
- Click on Add/Drop/Withdraw Classes
- Use the pull down menu to Select the Semester (e.g. Fall, Spring, or Summer). If you have any holds which prevent registration or schedule adjustments, you will be notified here. Click on View Holds. All holds must be removed before you can register.
- Once at the registration screen, enter the CRN numbers into the chart at the bottom of the page then click on Submit Changes. BanWeb will tell you if there are any problems with the classes you have selected. Search for alternate classes and make adjustments to your schedule as needed.
- Once you are registered, be sure to print your schedule.
- Click on Registration Exit. Be sure to click on the logout button in the upper right corner of the screen and wait for the portal login page to come up.
- Print your bill along with your schedule. Important: This may be the ONLY notice of your bill that you will receive.
If you need any assistance, contact the EXCEL Center @ 678-839-6280.
How You Can Help Yourself in the Advisement Process: (Back to Links)
- Develop a long range plan. Consult the catalog for information on degree programs and requirements.
- Don't wait for registration day. Check the semester class schedule for the dates of advance registration.
- Be sure to make an appointment with the appropriate office for advisement and BE ON TIME.
- Carefully plan your schedule each semester. Use your core curriculum check sheet to select preferred and alternate courses.
- Understand the college procedures and regulations. Be sure that you understand the following: Core Curriculum, the Regents Exam, Writing Across the Curriculum, Learning Support Policies, etc. If you have any questions, come by the EXCEL Center in Room 200 of the UCC.
- If you know what you want to major in, be familiar with the program's requirements. Some programs will direct you to take certain classes in different core areas.
- If you are undecided, work closely with your advisor to minimize the possibility of having to take other classes in the core. Begin working on Major Exploration early. Come by the EXCEL Center for more information on career/major exploration resources on campus.
- If you commute, be sure to check out our off-campus course offerings. These are usually located on the back pages of the course bulletin.
What You Can Expect From Your Advisor: (Back to Links)
- General information about University policies, programs available at West Georgia, the Core Curriculum, degree requirements for your major, and career possibilities.
- Assistance in planning and scheduling each semester's program of study.
Awareness of the services and persons available to offer assistance when you are experiencing academic difficulties.
Knowledge of University regulations regarding grades and grade point averages relating to required academic progress as well as other University requirements (such as Regents Test, etc.).
Confidentiality of your academic record and any personal concerns/questions which may be discussed.
What Your Advisor Expects From You: (Back to Links)
- An appointment made early, well before your registration date. Promptness at all your scheduled advising appointments.
- Preparation for your advising appointment. Always have with you a pen, schedule of classes, West Georgia catalog, curriculum guide, and transfer evaluation. Have tentative schedules worked out.
- Basic knowledge of the Core Curriculum and your academic record to date so that you can provide your advisor with the information needed to reach your goals.
- Basic knowledge about the academic requirements and policies in the West Georgia Undergraduate Catalog.
- Acceptance of responsibility for your choices and your decisions.
- A willingness to ask questions and be an active participant in your educational career.