One final thing that you should note about your adviser is that they're an educator. They will not simply tell you what courses to take or schedule them for you. Instead, they'll work with you to help you understand how to make those decisions and take those actions yourself. Let’s look quickly at some of the areas that your adviser can help you to learn about.

Building Foundation (by End of First Semester)

Understanding and completing the new student on-boarding process, which may include the completion of New Student Orientation; Smarter Measure; Canvas tutorials; completing the FAFSA (following up with Office of Student Aid with questions); completing placement exams (where appropriate); and completing LionPATH tutorials.
Becoming familiar with major requirements through review of and access to degree audits via LionPATH and understanding how transfer credits have been applied (as appropriate).
Knowing how to run degree audit, interpret remaining degree requirements, and schedule appropriate courses via LionPATH.
Integrating into World Campus through online communities and groups (as appropriate).

Formulate Understanding (by End of Second Semester)

Recognizing General Education requirements, and reviewing General Education courses that fulfill degree requirements.
Becoming familiar with available University resources, and understanding appropriate resources for issues or concerns, including but not limited to the Office of Disability Services, Career Counseling for integrated academic planning, and the Office of Veterans Programs.
Understanding avenues by which to pursue prior learning assessment and alternate credit acquisition.

Generate Expertise (by End of Third Semester)

Learning how to actively integrate and implement specifications of degree requirements and General Education principles.
Articulating needs and identifying appropriate resources to meet your needs as a student.
Helping you to feel empowered to advocate for yourself by taking the initiative to address issues related to academics, finances, adjustment, or future and career planning without adviser prompting.

Achieve Your Goals (by Final Semester)

Understanding how to activate the intent to graduate indicator in LionPATH by the beginning of your last semester.
Recognizing and investigating the value of Penn State alumni resources.

Advising Handbook

Another excellent resource available to you as you work with your adviser is the Undergraduate Advising Handbook (Links to an external site.). The Handbook is your most effective way to stay current on University policies and procedures, so looking it over is certainly in your best interest.