Important Update on Appointment Availability
Updated 11/11/25
USC is committed to helping every student make informed decisions about their academic journey. As we continue to serve a growing number of students, appointment availability with the Office of Exploratory Advising & Academic Coaching will be more limited than usual this spring 2026.
Between January 2 and April 3, 2026, students may experience a 3-4 week wait for appointment availability. Please plan ahead.
Drop-in hours are available for quick questions regarding procedures for changing majors and eligibility requirements, offered Monday through Thursday, 1:00–4:00 p.m. in Close Hipp 381 (first come, first serve; check in before 3:30 p.m. to ensure availability).
Students on academic probation or returning from suspension are encouraged to schedule after January 19th (add/drop deadline) but as early as possible, as appointments fill quickly before the February 27th deadline.
To make the most of your time with an Exploratory Advisor or Academic Coach, please come prepared by completing the steps below. Thoughtful preparation helps us focus on your goals and make the most of every minute in your session.
Exploratory Advising/Academic Coaching Appointments
Choose the appointment reason applicable to you for more details, including ways to prepare for your appointment.
*Students required to attend an academic coaching session cannot attend drop-in hours for this service and must schedule a coaching appointment.
Students in this category have been dismissed from their current academic program in December 2025 and will need first-priority appointments in January 2026. (No repeat appointments will be offered.)
Appointment Deadline: January 19, 2026
To prepare for your appointment you should:
1. Identify 3 majors you are interested in exploring, considering your career interests.
A complete list of majors offered at USC can be found in the academic bulletin.
2. Review the Major Maps and coursework associated with these majors.
3. Review your current DegreeWorks degree audit and academic transcript, which can
be accessed through Self-Service Carolina. Watch this short video for help accessing and reviewing your degree audit.
Students in this category have received official notification from the University Registrar that they have been placed on academic probation.
Appointment Deadline: February 27, 2026
To prepare for your appointment you should:
1. Complete your Academic Coaching Profile which will be sent to you when you make your appointment. (Students will not be seen for a coaching appointment unless they have submitted a coaching profile beforehand.)
2. Complete at least one self-assessment regarding your carer interests and personality
preferences. View your self-assessment options here.
3. Identify 3 majors you are interested in exploring. Review the coursework and associated
major maps for these majors. Majors and their associated coursework can be found in the academic bulletin.
Students in this category have received official notification from the University Registrar that they have been placed on academic probation.
Appointment Deadline: February 27, 2026
To prepare for your appointment you should:
1. Complete your Academic Coaching Profile which will be sent to you when you make your appointment. (Students will not be seen for a coaching appointment unless they have submitted a coaching profile beforehand.)
2. Complete at least one self-assessment regarding your carer interests and personality
preferences. View your self-assessment options here.
3. Identify 3 majors you are interested in exploring. Review the coursework and associated
major maps for these majors. Majors and their associated coursework can be found in the academic bulletin.
Students in this category are returning to USC after serving their academic suspension.
Appointment Deadline: February 27, 2026
To prepare for your appointment you should:
1. Complete your Academic Coaching Profile which will be sent to you when you make your appointment. (Students will not be seen for a coaching appointment unless they have submitted a coaching profile beforehand.)
2. Complete at least one self-assessment regarding your carer interests and personality
preferences. View your self-assessment options here.
3. Identify 3 majors you are interested in exploring. Review the coursework and associated major
maps for these majors. Majors and their associated coursework can be found in the academic bulletin.
Students in this category have failed to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress standards. Students are required to meet with a UAC academic coach to create an academic plan as part of their financial aid appeal. These plans are coordinated with the Financial Aid Office and are part of the required appeal documentation.
To prepare for your appointment you should:
1. Complete your Academic Coaching Profile which will be sent to you when you make your appointment. (Students will not be seen for a coaching appointment unless they have submitted a coaching profile beforehand.)
Students in this category want to explore their major options with an Exploratory Advisor.
Appointment Deadline: The Office of Exploratory Advising & Academic Coaching will be unable to schedule major exploration appointments during the two-week Fall/Summer registration period (April 6th through April 17th) or during the add and drop period at the beginning of the semester (January 12th through January 20th). Students looking to change their major or explore their major options will be seen instead on a drop-in basis only during these time frames.
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Changing Majors
Considering a change in your major or switching your college or school at USC? Investigate next steps with help from our Exploratory Advising team.
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Academic Coaching
Academic Coaches meet one-on-one with students to create an academic and engagement plan, set goals, and share resources to help students achieve their goals.