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Declaring Programs, Majors, and Minors. Each degree-seeking student chooses a program of study, major, and/or minor when admitted or as soon as possible thereafter.

For purposes of academic planning and financial aid, Point recommends that students seeking a bachelor’s degree declare their desired major and/or minor(s) as soon as possible. However, if they have not yet done so, on-ground students are placed in a “University Studies” track and online students are placed in a “General Studies” track until they declare their program. For more information, see the “Policy for Degree-Seeking Students with Undecided Major” discussed in the portion of this catalog focusing on the Humanities Department within the College of Arts & Sciences.

Students may change programs, majors, and minors by completing the Degree Change Form and submitting it to the Registrar Office. The form appears on the “Registrar” page of the Point website (https://point.edu/academics/registrar). Point recommends that students first discuss the proposed change with an academic advisor by contacting the Academic Advising Center by telephone (706-385-1018) or email (Advising.Center@ Point.edu).

Academic Advising. Point University students receive academic advising from the Advising Center and their faculty advisor (usually an instructor with expertise in their major area of study). The Advising Center is located on the West Point campus in the student services area of the Lanier Academic Center. Students may interact with an academic advisor by telephone, email, videoconference, or face-to-face at the Academic Advising Center:

Academic Advising Center
Lanier Academic Center, West Point Campus
Telephone: (706) 385-1018
Email: Advising.Center@Point.edu

Academic Advisors—in conversation with faculty—assist students in developing their initial course schedule or “plan of study.” Once students are enrolled, the Advising Center and faculty advisors provide academic advising each term on request. Advising staff members guide students through their educational programs by providing on-ground and online student orientations, explaining requirements and procedures, suggesting coursework appropriate to students’ career as guided by the faculty, aiding with course registration, and recommending ways to improve academic performance. They also link students with other support services, such as financial counseling, learning assistance, disability services, and career services.

Alongside the Advising Center, faculty advisors provide guidance regarding academic matters such as course selection, progress in the student’s chosen degree pro-gram, professional development, and career preparation. Skyhawk Career Services also assists with career counseling—preferably by appointment.

Both Academic Advisors and faculty advisors are available to students via appointment.  Academic Advisors maintain an especially high level of involvement during students’ time in the lower division (freshmen and sophomores). Faculty advisors maintain involvement during students’ time in the upper division (juniors and seniors) and graduate school.

For more information, see the “Student Success & Academic Support” page of the Point website under “Academic Advising.” See also the Point Knowledge Base under “Advising Center.”

The assistance of Academic Advisors does not relieve the student of responsibility for completing required work and following program and University procedures. In situations where student grades and evaluations indicate a student is unsuited for a given program, faculty advisors and the Academic Advising Center facilitate the student's move to a more appropriate field.

Student Responsibilities. Prior to registration for each term, students communicate with the Academic Advising Center and/or their faculty advisors concerning their status and upcoming courses. However, students are ultimately responsible for their own aca-demic progress. The following list outlines students’ responsibilities in the advising process:

  • Read the Academic Catalog and other academic information provided by Point University.

  • Know and comply with all current policies, procedures, and requirements for earning a degree—including internship and practicum requirements.

  • Review the course schedule and discuss course options with faculty advisors and/or a member of the Academic Advising Center staff.

  • Contact the Academic Advising Center in a timely fashion for creating a plan of study for registration, advising, and other necessary consultations.

  • Obtain, complete, and submit all forms needed for registration, course changes (audit, add, drop), graduation, and related matters, according to the deadlines set by the Registrar.

  • Contact the Academic Advising Center immediately with concerns about academic progress in particular courses or progress toward a degree.