The First Meeting
The first meeting establishes the advising relationship. For students entering in the fall, these meetings usually occur during New Student Orientation. For students entering in January, meetings can occur before or during New Student Orientation.
Preparing for the Meeting
What are your academic goals? Career and professional desires? What brought you to the CSTM? Be prepared to speak to these questions during your first meeting with your advisor. Come with questions, voice any concerns you may have. Talk about what activities/events you hope to participate in during your time at the CSTM (e.g., conferences; retreats; international service; internships; language programs). The more you share with your advisor, the better they will be at providing guidance and support as you make your way through your degree program.
For first year MA, MDiv and MTS students, take some time to review the Course Selection Guide Sheets to help you reflect upon your course interests.
Suggested Agenda
Below is a suggested agenda for advisors to structure the first meeting. Please note: not all will follow this format; however, most will touch on the various aspects included within. We provide the agenda here to help guide your reflections and questions as you prepare for your meeting.
- Introductions
Take some time to get to know each other. Introduce yourself and your academic/research interests. Ask about your advisor's own interests as well. Think about how their interests may be helpful in shaping your own work; inquire of them who else at BC and the CSTM may be good to connections for you and your interests.
- Career Goals, Program Trajectory & Requirements
Look over the trajectory of your specific degree program and appropriate course sequencing in light of your academic history, course pre-requisites, and degree requirements.
RESOURCE: Degree Program Handbook
Begin long range planning in light of specific career goals (e.g., language study for would-be PhD candidates; supervised ministry opportunities).
Become familiar with the Academic Policies and Proecdures of the CSTM any non-academic graduation requirements of students at the CSTM (e.g., Professional Ethics in Ministry Workshops; Academic Integrity Tutorial; Spiritual Formation for Ministry Seminar).
RESOURCE: CSTM Academic Policies and Procedures
- Course Selection
Discuss specific course interests, options & availability for current semester.
RESOURCE: Course Selection Guide for First Year Students: MATM, MDIV, MTS
RESOURCE: Program of Study Worksheet
RESOURCE: Course Degree Requirements
RESOURCE: Course Grids (Schedule)
RESOURCE: BTI Course Listing (optional)
Become familiar with the advising and registration timeline for second semester
RESOURCE: CSTM Academic Calendar
Ask about which other professors both in the CSTM and within the Department of Theology may be beneficial for you to learn from.
- Communication & Questions
Inquire about the best method of communication between you and your advisor
Inquire about how to set up additional meetings with your advisor
Take time to think about what you want out of advising. If there are things about the CSTM, life at BC, or general questions about how best to succeed as a graduate student in theology, be sure to ask you advisor about them. Your advisor will be a great resource that is familiar and well-versed in a variety of areas pertaining to your interests and are eager to help you succeed.
Think about possible networking opportunities while at the CSTM. Ask your advisor about how best to initiate professional relationships with professors at Boston College, the CSTM, and within your particular field of study.