Getting to Know Your Departmental Advisor

Once you’ve declared your major, get to know your departmental advisor. Take the initiative and stop by during office hours so that you have an opportunity for a real conversation.

Have realistic expectations about your advisor’s role. Don’t expect a faculty member to be able (or willing) to rate every course in the curriculum. Do expect your advisor to question you about your short-term and long-term academic goals. They can help you plan a strategy for taking the greatest possible advantage of your undergraduate education. These conversations follow naturally once you’ve made the initial effort to talk to your advisor about your interests and aspirations.