Advising
Middle Georgia State University recognizes academic advising as a critical component of a successful educational experience. During the advising sessions students will be provided with accurate and timely information necessary to define and work toward achieving their educational, professional and personal goals. With the assistance of the academic advisor and the Center for Career and Leadership Development, each student will select a degree program of study and follow a clear course sequenced pathway to graduation. Through collaborative relationships with academic advisors, students will develop cognitive and non-cognitive skills that promote the development of a productive academic growth mindset. All students will be advised through the school that houses their major. Contact information for each school is available on the Academic Advising homepage at http://www.mga.edu/advising/.
Students should refer to the Middle Georgia State University Academic Calendar for advising and registration events at http://www.mga.edu/academics/calendars/default.aspx. Although students can meet with their advisor throughout the academic year, MGA also schedules a specific advising period for returning students in advance of the registration period.
Advising Policy
Freshman, sophomores, all students with Learning Support requirements and dual enrolled students must meet with their academic advisor every semester. Juniors and seniors must meet with their academic advisor once per academic year.
Seniors should meet with their advisor in the first semester of their senior year to ensure that they are on the right path to program completion and graduation. Students in baccalaureate degree programs should conduct a program/degree audit at least three semesters prior to graduation. Students in Associate degree programs should conduct a program/degree audit at least two semesters prior to graduation.
Students on Academic Probation are required to meet with their advisor and devise an Academic Success plan every semester.
Registration
Before the scheduled date for registration, a schedule of the classes to be offered for the next semester is made available on the Middle Georgia State University website. Prior to the registration period, all students are encouraged to meet with their advisor. During the registration period, students may register online at www.mga.edu by clicking on the SWORDS Secure Login link. Certain student populations such as dual enrolled, learning support, international students and athletes, will have a registration hold which prevents them from self-registration. Students with registration HOLDS must register through an advisor in the School that houses their degree major. Registration is prioritized. Seniors, veterans, athletes, Dual Enrollment students, students with F1 visas, and students with disabilities can register on the first day of the registration period. They are followed by juniors, sophomores and freshmen on subsequent days. Students may register at any of the five Middle Georgia State University campuses and online. New students are required to meet with an advisor before they register. Detailed instructions are available on the SWORDS registration page. Registration information is also available on the Registrar's homepage at http://www.mga.edu/registrar/.
Students are responsible for registering for the correct courses consistent with their programs of study as outlined in the Middle Georgia State University catalog. All students must abide by course prerequisites. Students must also pay attention to scheduling sessions (full session, first session, second session) as well as to time and campus location. Students are responsible for checking their schedules after they register to ensure that the intended courses are listed.
Students should understand that they will receive a grade in each class recorded on their class schedules. Students who do not attend those specific classes and sections will receive a grade of "F" in each class not attended unless they officially drop the class. Students without HOLDS may drop courses online. Courses may also be dropped in the Office of the Registrar at the Macon and Cochran campuses or the administrative offices at other campuses. The last date to drop/add courses can be found on the academic calendar http://www.mga.edu/academics/calendars/default.aspx.