BSSW Program Advising

Academic advising and professional mentoring are an integral part of your preparation for professional social work practice. We are here to help you navigate your unique path to achieve your goals.

Declare Social Work as a Major

If you plan to earn your BSSW degree, your first step is to declare social work as your major. You can do this at any time by clicking the button below.

DECLARE YOUR MAJOR 

Declaring social work as your major is not a guarantee that you will be admitted to the program. You will need to meet specific requirements and apply to the program, typically when you’ve completed 65-75 credit hours.Learn more about BSSW admission requirements and application process 

NOTE: If you are planning to transfer to the BSSW Program at Minnesota State University, Mankato from another institution or returning to school after an extended absence, please go to the Transfer and Returning Student page for more information about how to successfully plan for your transfer or return to school. 

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Find your BSSW Program Advisor

Once you have declared Social Work as your major, you will be assigned a social work faculty member as your BSSW Program Advisor. First-year students will also have an Allied Health Advising Office staff person assigned as a general education advisor, but you will transition fully to the BSSW Program Advisor at the beginning of your sophomore year. Transfer students will be assigned your BSSW Program Advisor after attending a Transfer Orientation session.

REQUEST AN ADVISOR 

After your BSSW Program Advisor is assigned, you should:

• Schedule a meeting with your assigned advisor as soon as possible. Don’t wait until your course registration window opens or the semester is almost over or you’ll have difficulty getting a timely appointment. To schedule an appointment with your advisor, contact them directly via phone or email, or use MavConnect.

• Meet regularly with your assigned advisor to ensure you are making progress toward meeting the BSSW Program requirements and discuss your professional development.

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Advising Responsibilities

To develop an effective advisor-advisee working relationship, you should:

• Initiate and arrange a meeting with your advisor at least once per semester;
• Come to your meeting prepared to discuss your academic standing and progress, academic and professional goals, and specific interests within the field that you may have;
• Consult with your advisor regarding changes in your academic plan (i.e. adding a minor or major, leave of absence, etc.);
• Share any concerns you have about potential barriers to academic success or future professional social work practice;  
• Request permission to register for upper-division courses (300+ level courses); and/or
• Be prepared to discuss your application for admission to the BSSW major.

To support you, your BSSW Program Advisor will:

• Assist you in developing an academic course plan that ensures BSSW curriculum requirements are met;
• Discuss and advise opportunities related to your academic, professional, and career goals;
• Help you choose elective and supporting coursework and advise appropriate sequencing;
• Guide you to any resources you need to resolve academic, personal, or financial issues which may impede your education;
• Help determine when you are ready to take upper-division courses;
• Complete academic or curriculum-related documents on your behalf; and/or
• Provide support when you’re completing your application for admission to the major.

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Academic Advising Resources

Track your progress toward your degree: Degree Audit Report (DARS) 

Access campus services and request support: MavConnect

Get your general education, academic probation, and other general advising questions answered: College of Allied Health and Nursing Advising

Get help with registration issues and questions related to your academic record: Registration and Academic Records 

Stay on top of deadlines: important dates 

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