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Exploratory Advising

Exploratory Advising

Exploratory Advisors are the go-to guides for figuring out your academic path at MSU. They work one-on-one with students who are still deciding on a major or just want to explore options.

In addition to being specialists in exploration, Exploratory Advisors can help with questions about student success and engagement like study strategies, campus resources, and getting involved. They also make sure you stay on track with degree requirements and graduation timelines, so exploring doesn’t mean falling behind.

This student-centered approach guarantees personalized attention and support. Our advisors help you identify your passions, align them with majors and career goals, and create a plan that works for you. Their efforts not only boost confidence but also improve student success and retention—because when you feel supported, you thrive.

Exploratory Advisors help you

  • Understand degree requirements and how different majors fit your goals.
  • Choose courses that meet interests and requirements while you explore
  • Discover your strengths and passions through tools like the Focus2 Career Assessment or examining interest areas.
  • Stay on track for graduation while figuring out what excites you.

Who do they help?

Mostly students in Exploratory Preference (EXP) or Exploring Business Preference (EBP) majors, but any student who wants to explore is welcome.

EXP and EBP are temporary, non-degree majors that give you time to discover your interests and passions while staying on track for graduation. 

Meet with an Exploratory Advisor

Our team of Exploratory Advisors are excited to help guide you on your exploration at MSU. Find information below about how to connect with our advisors and where they are located to serve you.

Find an advisor

Express Advising

Express Advising is a brief advising appointment lasting 10 to 15 minutes. Advisors are available to meet via Zoom during the fall and spring semesters when the university is open.

These appointments typically address:
  • Enrollment questions
  • Assistance with, or questions about, campus resources
  • Help with scheduling advising appointments
  • Other quick questions

Express Advising is not for planning future or next-semester courses, study abroad course selection and planning, or academic probation conferences.

Express Advising is available:
  • June 1 - July 17:
    • Wednesdays from 1 - 4 p.m.
Advising via Zoom

Schedule an Appointment

For future planning, longer conversations and questions about resources or navigating campus, schedule an appointment time to meet with an Exploratory Advisor.

Exploratory Advisors are available for in-person and virtual appointments:
  • Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST, when the university is open.
  • During the summer semester (May 4 – Aug. 21), all appointments are virtual. 

Follow these steps to book your appointment:

  1. Log in to SIS at student.msu.edu
    1. You’ll need multi-factor authentication (MFA) to access the system. If you haven’t set it up yet, follow the MFA instructions first.
  2. Click on the “Academic Progress” tile once you’re logged in.
  3. In the left menu, select Advising/Tutoring Appointments, then click the Create New Appointment button (blue box).
  4. Fill out the appointment details:
    1. Category: Choose Advising.
    2. Advising or Tutoring Unit: Select the college you want to meet with.
      1. If you’re an Exploratory Preference or Exploring Business Preference student, choose University Advising.
      2. Other students, select the college of your major.
    3. Appointment Reason: Exploring students, pick the option that matches your preferred advising location
      1. Black Squirrel Exploratory → MSU Union
      2. Brook Trout Exploratory → McDonel
      3. Painted Turtle Exploratory → Hubbard
      4. Mallard Duck Exploratory → Holden
      5. American Robin Exploratory → Brody
    4. Major or Program: Select your major/program.
    5. Additional Information: Tell us why you want to meet—include any questions or topics you’d like to discuss.
    6. Appointment Type: Choose in-person, email, phone, or Zoom.
  5. Click “Select Advisor.”
    1. You’ll see available advisors, times, and contact details. Pick the date and time that works best for you.
       

Appointment Scheduling Video Resource

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First Week of Class Support – Drop-in Advising

During the first week of fall and spring classes, University Advising advisors are available to assist Exploratory Preference, Exploring Business Preference, and students interested in major exploration support through in-person academic advising.

Our advisors are located in the following locations: 

  • Union Building - Ground Floor, Room 26
  • Brody Hall – Room 160
  • Hubbard Hall –Main Floor, Room 130 (across from the Sparty Store)
  • McDonel Hall – Main Floor, Room C-101 (across from the McDonel Kiva)
  • Holden Hall – Main Floor, center lobby (across from the Service Center)

After the first week of classes, students will must schedule an appointment or attend Express Advising opportunities.

As a reminder, University Advising is here for first- and second-year Spartans who want to explore majors, minors, and learn how to navigate MSU. If you’re still deciding or curious about new options, that’s what Exploratory Advisors are here for!

Students with 56 or more credits can still meet with us if you’re looking for new, alternative, or parallel majors. We’ll help you explore possibilities, but we don’t build course schedules for advanced, upper-level programs.

Bottom line: If you’re exploring, come and talk to us!

Interest Areas

Interest Areas are broad, thematic categories that group related academic programs, majors, and career paths based on shared skills, learning objectives, or professional goals to help you make informed decisions about your future academic and career paths. Explore these interest areas as you prepare for an upcoming advising appointment.