So I had my initial meeting with the graduate advisor for my department, after registering for my first semester of classes without getting a response to an email asking if the classes I was considering were ok (she was not available in person before the semester started).
I went in presuming she would have a set list of things to go over with new students, that I would then respond to with additional questions. She spent, literally, the entire meeting complaining about how overwhelmed she was. The only piece of information I got out of it was that I should have gotten permission to register for a class in another department first, and that she would, but didn't have to, give me credit for it. When my post-meeting befuddlement wore off, I realized I should have asked more questions, like "What courses are required?", but I was just so taken aback by her complete lack of engagement that I froze.
I'd appreciate any help with compiling a list of specific questions I should pose when I, with dread, schedule another 'advising' session with her.
Thanks!
