The Advising Program at Washington State University was instituted by faculty action about 1950. The Program provides academic advising for WSU students during the early stages of their academic careers, especially during those semesters most critical to the selection of a major.  All students are entered into this program as freshmen. Many sophomores remain in the program during part or all of that year. In all, more than 6,000 students are involved in the program. Selected faculty and staff provide academic advising. Once a student certifies into a major, the advising responsibility lies with that department/program.

The basic philosophy of the program is that all students should have time to explore their own interests and abilities. By exploring, students develop a broad experience in general education and are better able to select a major that meets both their interests and aptitudes. Only about 20% of students graduate in the field in which they indicated an interest when first admitted. Changes in area of interest and potential major are very common.