Academic advising attempts to help students make informed and intelligent academic decisions/choices about their Major and GUR study that suit their intellectual, professional and personal goal. It helps undergraduate students in important events and decisions in different ‘Student Learning Checkpoints’.
Each undergraduate student will be paired up with a Designated Academic Advisor from their Faculty/School/Department. Student should meet with their Academic Advisor for consultation on their programme of study and study plans at least twice in an academic year.
Students admitted to the Bachelor’s Degree Scheme in Interdisciplinary Studies will be assigned a Personal Coach who will help each student to explore their academic study path and interests in an intensive manner.
Through academic advising, students will:
- understand their curriculum (both Major and GUR) and get advice and guidance if they face any academic challenges.
- plan their study better to help them realise academic, career and personal goals.
learn about opportunities, resources and support available to students on campus to enrich their educational experience and foster their future success.
Students are encouraged to meet with their Academic Advisors for consultation on their programme of study and study plans at least once in a semester.
There are different arrangements for different routes.
Under the Faculty-based admission system, students enrolled via the ‘common pool’ route taking the Common First Year curriculum (from 2025/26) should be initially assigned with a Designated Academic Advisor from the Faculty for the first year. A Designated Academic Advisor from the student’s chosen Major should be assigned in the subsequent undergraduate years until graduation.
Student admitted with a ‘pre-guarantee entry’ to a Departmental scheme/Major programme in Year 1 should be assigned with a Designated Academic Advisor from first year to final year. Students who wish to make changes to the assignment of the Designated Academic Advisors should write to the Programme Leader for approval.
Students are strongly encouraged to make appointments with your Designated Academic Advisors in a proactive manner (at least once in a semester). Each Faculty/School/Department will set out their own practice in arranging meetings with Academic Advisors. You are also welcome to send emails or make phone calls for setting up meetings with your Designated Academic Advisor.
You could find the contact information of your Designated Academic Advisor under “My Advisor” in eStudent (see below) or you could also contact your home department for details.
As an advisee, you are responsible for your educational choices and decisions. You are expected to:
- Clarify your personal abilities, interests, and goals for academics and life.
- Prepare for the advising meeting. Think of some questions to discuss with your Academic Advisors for e.g. study plan, career opportunities, final-year project ideas, internship or other learning experiences.
- Understand and review your academic progress before meeting your Academic Advisor. Study the Programme Requirements Document.
- Become knowledgeable and adhere to institutional policies, procedures, and requirements.
- Be punctual and notify your Academic Advisor in advance if you cannot attend the scheduled meeting or need to reschedule your meeting.
- Have an open mind and be ready to consider advice given by your Academic Advisor and other staff.
- Read your PolyU e-mails and other important communications from the University (particularly from your School/Department and Academic Advisors)
- Access and use eStudent for academic updates, updated information, registration, and other purposes.
- Accept the final responsibility for all decisions made and your graduation requirements.
