We Are Here to Help You

The Department of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) academic advisors can assist prospective and undergraduate students interested in the HDFS department and its activities. Prospective students can call or email to set an appointment time. Current students can make an appointment with their advisor in Access Plus.

Academic Advisor for Human Development and Family Studies Majors:

Liz Harris

Student Services Specialist III

Department: Human Development and Family Studies

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Danielle Linkenmeyer

Academic Advisor II

Department: Human Development and Family Studies

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Academic Advisor for Early Childhood Education Majors:

Dani MacDougall

Academic Advisor II

Department: Human Development and Family Studies

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Academic Advisor Family and Consumer Sciences Education and Studies Majors:

Jane Hoegh

Assistant Teaching Professor

Department: Human Development and Family Studies

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Academic Advisor for Financial Counseling and Planning Majors:

Carolyn Steckelberg

Associate Professor of Practice

Department: Human Development and Family Studies

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Resources for Current Students

Academic resources:

Academic calendar

Academic Success Center (tutoring, supplemental instruction, academic coaching)

Iowa State Catalog (courses and programs)

Academic Planning Information:

Adding a minor

Calculating your GPA

Registering for classes

Taking courses at other schools

Course registration resources:

Schedule of classes

Humanities and Social Sciences

Services:

Student Accessibility Services

Student Counseling Service

Contacting Your Advisor

Students are assigned an HDFS advisor upon officially entering the department. Advisor assignments can be found on AccessPlus.

Contact your advisor whenever you have questions. You should make an appointment to visit with them at least once every semester before the registration period begins. Email is a convenient way to reach your advisor, but many allow you to make an appointment directly in AccessPlus.

Why Visit Your Advisor?

Advisors can help you:

  • Understand university, college, and department policies and procedures.
  • Develop realistic academic plans and goals suited to your interests and abilities.
  • Find appropriate campus resources when necessary.
  • Monitor your progress towards degree completion.

Advising provides students with a personal connection to the university and to the HDFS department. Your academic success is important to us. Getting the most out of advising appointments requires both student and advisor to be prepared, flexible, and respectful.

The more you get to know your advisor and allow them to get to know you, your strengths, goals, and interests, the more satisfying and beneficial the relationship becomes. Advisors want you to be successful in your college experience and in achieving your academic and personal goals. The more they know you, the better advocate they can be for you.