Your L&S Story Begins Here
What’s so Great About Stories?
Every great story has a beginning, a few unexpected plot twists, and character development along the way. Like stories, an undergraduate education does not follow one set path – it is a journey shaped by curiosity, discovery, challenges, and choices.
You are the author of your own unique academic story. Your interests, values, and goals drive the narrative, while experiences like classes, research, and campus involvement add depth and meaning. Academic advisors are here to help you reflect, revise, and assist you with writing a story that’s truly your own.
Who is AAS?
What We Do
Academic advising is a collaborative partnership designed to help you succeed. We do not just help you choose classes – we help you:
- Navigate your undergraduate journey with confidence
- Transform your university experience from a checklist of requirements into a strategic path for success
- Build independence in decision-making
- Shape your unique L&S story
Who We Advise
As an L&S student advising with AAS, you will:
- Connect with us first at SOAR
- Receive support as you transition to campus
- Be re-assigned an L&S major advisor once you declare a major.
When We Do It
Our advisors proactively engage with you throughout the year:
- At SOAR
- At your L&S Academic Orientation
- In one-on-one meetings
- Through regular emails (please read them!)
- Via our online Canvas course
What Are Our Student Learning Goals?
Academic advising is about more than just picking classes; it is a core part of your overall education. Our student learning goals outline the specific skills, knowledge, and confidence you will gain by partnering with us throughout your time at L&S.
Liberal Arts conceptualization
Students will understand their fit within and influence upon their liberal arts
education.
curriculum
Students will understand the L&S degree curriculum.
enrollment
Students will understand the enrollment process.
navigation/belonging
Students will navigate UW-Madison with competence and confidence.
reflection/growth
Students will engage in meaningful self-reflection regarding their academic goals.
What Are Our Values?
At L&S Academic Advising Services, our core values are more than just words. They are the foundation of everything we do. They guide how we advocate for you, support your academic journey, and create an inclusive space where every student feels heard.
Inclusion
Accessible. Welcoming. Empathetic
Students and colleagues are received in an accessible, validating manner and in the way they would like to be acknowledged. Students and colleagues engage freely with our supportive services because they anticipate we will listen, advocate when appropriate, and view their situation from their perspective.
Student Development
Empowering. Informative. Supportive.
AAS supports students as they develop to become confident academics in control of their life, possessing the knowledge, skills, and ability to act and make decisions for themselves. This is achieved as the student chooses to connect with an advisory relationship that promotes learning and the development of self-advocacy and self-efficacy.
Communication
Available. Responsive. Transparent.
AAS proactively reaches out to and receives communication from students and colleagues and responds in a timely and thoughtful manner using multiple mediums. We realize these communications are opportunities to both teach essential university information, and to understand the needs of students and colleagues. We record, reflect upon, and modify our communications each year.
commitment
Knowledgeable. Accurate. Collaborative.
Students and colleagues are collaboratively engaged with a commitment to respect and dignity as we communicate knowledgeable, relevant, and accurate information about university policies, procedures, programs, and campus resources. This information is documented, current, and designed to be received in a manner conducive to student and colleague engagement.
adaptability
Timely. Proactive. Reflective.
AAS responds to the changing needs of students and the university, adjusting programming, appointment modalities, and communication methods to encourage all students and colleagues to fully engage with our services. AAS continuously reflects on current practices and anticipates the need for change.
Where to Find Us
101 Ingraham Hall
Phone: (608) 262-5858
Email: advisingaas@ls.wisc.edu
AAS operates Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm
(excluding observed legal holidays)