Academic Goals

1. Choose the right major or change majors.
2. Improve performance in a difficult course.
3. Access academic accommodations.
4. Get involved in a research lab.
5. Figure out my course schedule for next semester.

Career Goals

1. Look for a job or internship related to my interests.
2. Explore possible career paths related to my major.
3. Figure out how to connect with alumni.
4. Line up a summer job or internship.
5. Make a resume/CV.
6. Prepare for a job/internship.

Personal/Wellness Goals

1. Improve mental health.
2. Make friends.
3. Get advice about navigating college with a particular marginalized/minoritized identity.
4. Get or stay physically healthy and active.

Financial/Housing/Basic Needs Goals

1. Manage a tuition, billing, or financial aid issue.
2. Access food, clothing, transportation, or emergency funds.
3. Explore part-time job or work-study positions.

Academic Support

1. Academic Advisor – Helps with course planning, degree requirements, and academic difficulties.
2. Professor – Offers subject expertise, mentorship, and research opportunities.
3. Teaching Assistant (TA) – Supports you with class content, tutoring, and assignments.
4. Tutor – Provides help in specific subjects through tutoring centers.
5. Registrar/Registrar’s Office Staff – Manages your transcripts, class registration, and academic records.

Career & Professional Development

1. Career Counselor/Advisor – Helps with resumes, job searching, interview prep, and career planning.
2. Internship/Co-op Coordinator – Connects you with internships and experiential learning opportunities.
3. Alumni Relations Officer – Connects students with alumni for networking and mentoring.
4. Family Friend/Former Employer – Connect you to jobs and opportunities.

Personal Development & Wellness

1. Mental Health Counselor/Social Worker – Supports emotional and mental wellness.
2. Resident Assistant (RA) – Peer leader in residence halls, helps with social and academic adjustment.
3. Campus Health Services –  Provides access to physical and mental health providers and services

Support for Specific Populations

1. TRIO Advisor/Student Support Services Staff – Assists first-gen, low-income, and students with disabilities.
2. Disability Services Coordinator – Provides accommodations and support for students with disabilities.
3. Multicultural Affairs Officer/DEI Coordinator – Supports students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Enrichment & Engagement

1. Peer Mentor – Provides support and encouragement.
2. Study Abroad Advisor – Assists in planning international education experiences.
3. Service-Learning/Civic Engagement Coordinator – Helps connect your studies with community work.

Financial Support

1. Financial Aid Advisor or Counselor – Helps with FAFSA, scholarships, grants, loans, and financial planning.
2. Bursar/Student Accounts Representative – Manages billing, payments, and tuition balances.

Housing & Basic Needs

1. Resident Advisor (RA)/Residence Life Staff – Manages on-campus housing placements and residential policies
2. Emergency Needs Program Staff – Help students access emergency housing, food pantries, and financial assistance for necessities.
3. Student Affairs/Student Services – Provides referrals and support for personal, academic, and logistical challenges.

Not sure what your plan should look like? Consider these suggestions!

Decide when and where to get the support you need. It’s important to prepare before you meet with someone. Know a little bit about the person you’re meeting with and their job or role. Read their website if they have one, and come up with some specific questions related to your goal or goals to keep the conversation going.

If you’re exploring your major or career interests, you could ask:

What do students usually do with a degree in this major after graduation?
What kinds of classes or experiences helped you know this field was right for you?
Are there any classes in this department you think everyone should try, even if they’re undecided?
What skills do students build in this major that are useful in other careers?
Can you tell me about your own path—how did you choose this field?
If you want a professor to mentor you in research or a thesis, visit their website and learn as much as you can about them and their work before approaching them. That will prepare you for good questions like:

I read about your work on X topic and found it really interesting. Do you think the findings would also apply to X?
Can you tell me about any projects that undergraduates might be able to participate in?
Can you tell me about your own path—how did you choose this field?
If you’re trying to do better in class or build academic skills:

What’s the best way to approach studying for your exams or writing papers for this class?
Are there common mistakes you’ve seen students make in this class that I should avoid?
Would you be willing to look over a rough draft or outline before I turn in the next assignment?
Do you have any advice for balancing this class with other responsibilities?
If you’re trying to prepare for careers after college:

Do you know of any research opportunities or internships related to this subject?
What kinds of jobs or grad programs do students from this major typically go into?
How can I get experience in this field before I graduate?
If I’m interested in grad school, what would you recommend I start doing now?
If you’re just trying to build a relationship:

What inspired you to teach this subject?
Are there any books, podcasts, or articles you’d recommend if I want to learn more about this subject?
Can I follow up with you if I have more questions later in the semester?