Academic Advising

Undergraduate Advising Overview

Welcome to the UNI School of Music Academic Advising Office! The Academic Advising Office is responsible for the oversight and execution of the School of Music Academic Advising Program. It provides administrative support to the Director, Associate Director, and Faculty in the School of Music. The School of Music Academic Advising Office offers individualized, one-on-one academic advising to all the students in the School of Music. Students meet with advisors to discuss their academic plans and progress. In addition, the office supports students with transactional items to help them navigate policies and procedures in the School of Music.

Exterior of Russel Hall

About Academic Advising
 

The School of Music Academic Advising Office is the central office for undergraduate music advising. Students can schedule an appointment and walk-ins are welcome during regular office hours.

Office: SOM office suite room 115C

We have a three-tier advising model in School of Music:

1. Interim Director, School of Music

Melinda Boyd

Dr. Melinda Boyd
Professor of Music History and Interim Director, School of Music
Phone:
(319) 273-2529
Email: melinda.boyd@uni.edu

  • Oversees the undergraduate program, admission to the School of Music, and Scholarship opportunities  

‌2. Undergraduate Program Coordinator & Advisor

Victor Acevedo

Victor Acevedo
Academic Advisor
Phone: (319) 273-7180
Email: victor.acevedo@uni.edu

make an appointment

  • Responsible for the oversight and execution of the School of Music Advising Program
  • Provides Professional Advising to all music majors during their freshman and sophomore years
  • Monitors students’ progress in the School of Music
  • Assists with students’ registration and summer orientation
  • Provides early guidance to Music Education Students for Admissions to the UNI Teacher Education Program

‌3. Faculty Advisors

‌Learn About the SOM Faculty & Staff
Junior and senior music majors are assigned to a full-time music faculty member for professional and career guidance in the area of expertise.

Preparing for your Advising Appointment


The following recommendations will help you prepare for your advising appointment:

  1. Plan in advance and schedule an advising appointment with your assigned advisor.
     
  2. Check the School of Music Advising Academic Calendar for important dates.
     
  3. Prepare for your appointment by reviewing the Plan of Study for your specific music program.
     
  4. Write down a list of questions to ask your academic advisor.
     
  5. View your Enrollment Date in your Student Center. The enrollment date also indicates your specific time to register for classes.
     
  6. Keep in mind that advisors are here to help you. The student is ultimately responsible for checking the Academic Advisement Report and making sure that you have the right courses to graduate on time. Be proactive!

 


Tools To Help You Prepare
 

Registration Information: The Office of the Registrar and the Office of Academic Advising offer quick reference guides to help students understand the semester registration process.

My Planner 
is a tool in your student center to help you plan your semester-by-semester courses during your years at UNI.

Academic Advisement Report 
is a tool for charting your progress toward your degree.

Admission to the UNI Teacher Education Program 
In order to be fully admitted to the UNI Teaching Education Program, students need to meet all the requirements provided in the link. 

 


Our Goal: Proactive Advising to foster and support student success.

  • Help students with a successful transition to UNI School of Music
  • Assist students to map a clear path toward graduation  
  • Promote active participation of students during the advising process 

Exploring or Changing Majors

If you are considering exploring other majors, or changing your major, please reach out to Lori Vanhooreweghe to talk about your options and the process if you decide to transition to another major. 

a music education student in a classroom with young students

Music Education

The following links have information about the requirements for the Music Education Program. Contact your advisor if you have questions regarding admissions to the Teaching Education Program.