Each incoming first-year student is assigned a first-year advisor who is prepared to advise new students about any major or career path and who might not be a professor in the student's intended major. First-year advisors begin advising students upon admission to the College and usually continue until the student declares a major, changes an initial advisor, or completes the sophomore year. Transfer students are assigned advisors typically in their declared majors; undeclared majors among transfer students are assigned first-year advisors.

It is the duty of the faculty advisor to counsel the student regarding a degree program, vocational or professional interests, the course schedule for each term, and program toward graduation, including completion of core and major requirements. Each faculty advisor is available for frequent consultation and will contact advisees for conferences in case of deficient grade reports and for course program planning. Normally, however, it is the student’s responsibility to seek advice when needed, and students should not hesitate to contact their advisors at any time.

Students, including first-year students, may change advisors at any time. In order to change advisors, the student should first ask a faculty member to serve as the student's new advisor. The student and new advisor should then inform the Registrar's Office by submitting a Change of Advisor/Major Form. The student or new advisor should also inform the previous advisor and request that the student's file be transferred to the new advisor. Seniors and juniors who have filed a degree plan must be advised by a faculty member in their major department. Students are welcome, of course, to discuss their course schedules and vocational plans with faculty members other than their primary advisors.

The faculty advisor must approve each student’s course program for each semester, including any additions, deletions, or other registration changes. After the stated last date to enroll or add courses in a given semester, the faculty advisor's approval must be indicated with a signature on an Enrollment Change form.

 

Your responsibility as an advisee

1. Pursue information, advice, and perspective from faculty and staff, with help from advisor for referrals. Ask questions.
2. Know your graduation requirements and keep track of progress towards degree by using your Degree Plan.
3. Know academic deadlines (add, drop, course withdraw, registration, etc.), which can be found in the Academic Catalogue and online.
4. Know the College’s policy regarding academic honesty.
5. Know how to prepare for registration appointments by following your advisor’s direction.
6. Research possible future plans: major, study abroad, career fields, etc. by talking with the appropriate campus resources.
7. Let advisors know about academic difficulties.

 

Your advisor's responsibilities

1. Assist students in planning academic program.
2. Approve, by signature, each student's course program for each semester, including all changes in registration.
3. Be available for frequent consultation with the advisee.
4. Direct student into pre-professional or career programs with an appropriate major no later than the beginning of the junior year.
5. Prepare a degree plan for advisee. This should be done at the beginning of the junior year.
6. Be available for consultation by advisee on personal and social problems.