A primary factor that contributes to a successful academic experience is the positive relationship built between students and faculty. Faculty advisors reach out to students to assist them through the University system and to enable them to fulfill their educational goals. Students have the responsibility of seeking out their faculty advisor for assistance in clarifying goals, exploring areas of interest, and selecting classes each quarter.

Although Seattle Pacific University makes every effort to assist students through the academic advising system, the final responsibility for meeting all academic and graduation requirements rests with each individual student.

Assignment of Faculty Advisors

All new undergraduate students are assigned a faculty advisor early in their first quarter at SPU.

Students can change their faculty advisor in Banner under “Student Menu/Change Faculty Advisor,” or by emailing advisorchange@spu.edu. 

Advisor Approvals for Registration

To obtain guidance in the timely completion of a bachelor’s degree, all undergraduate students in their first year at SPU (i.e., with fewer than 45 SPU credits), those not yet in a major, those who have earned a SPU GPA under 2.0 in the most recent quarter, and those who are on academic probation are required to see a faculty advisor prior to registration to discuss course selection for the next quarter and plans for academic success.  Once this is done, the student will receive permission to register. 

Criteria for entering majors and minors can be accessed through the Undergraduate Majors, Minors, and Programs section of the catalog. Even if you no longer are required to meet with a faculty advisor in order to register, you are encouraged to do this on a consistent basis. You must have a faculty advisor for each major and minor you are pursuing. 

Undergraduate Academic Counselors

Every student is assigned an academic counselor from the Office of the Registrar, who follows the student’s progress from admission through graduation.

The undergraduate academic counselors assist students and provide support for faculty by planning and facilitating New Student Advising for incoming students; giving pre-approval for study abroad or completing coursework at other U.S. institutions; completing graduation checklists; working with students experiencing academic challenges; and generally helping students navigate academic systems. The academic counselors are also responsible for assisting students who are on academic probation.