Faculty Advising

Who should see a faculty advisor?

Faculty advisors can be a valuable resource for all students, but there are some students who may benefit from seeing a faculty advisor more than others. These students include:

• Students who are new to college. New students may be feeling overwhelmed by the transition to college and may not know where to start. A faculty advisor can help them learn about the college's academic requirements, get to know the campus, and develop a plan for their first year.

• Students who are undecided about their major. Faculty advisors can help students explore different academic options and find a major that is a good fit for their interests and skills. They can also help students develop a plan to complete the requirements for their major.

• Students who are interested in transferring to a 4-year university or graduate school. Faculty advisors can help students learn about research opportunities on campus and prepare for graduate school.

• Students who are considering a career change. If you are thinking about changing careers, a faculty advisor can help you explore different career options and develop a plan to achieve your career goals. They can also provide information about internships, job shadowing, and other opportunities to gain experience in your chosen field.

If you are a student who is considering seeing a faculty advisor, I encourage you to do so. Your advisor can be a valuable resource as you navigate your college experience.

How can a faculty advisor help?

Faculty advisors can help students in many ways, including:

• To get help planning your academic pathway. SEM advisors are familiar with the requirements for different majors and can help you make sure you are taking the right courses to stay on track to graduate. They can also help you explore different academic options and find courses that are a good fit for your interests.

• To get guidance on career planning. SEM advisors can help you explore different career options and develop a plan to achieve your career goals. They can also provide information about internships, job shadowing, and other opportunities to gain experience in your chosen field. 

• To get referrals to other resources. SEM advisors are familiar with the resources available on campus and can refer you to other offices or departments for help with things like financial aid, counseling, or disability services.

• In addition to these specific services, faculty advisors can also provide students with general support and guidance as they navigate their college experience. They can also be a source of encouragement and motivation, helping students stay on track to achieve their goals.

Students who work with a faculty advisor are more likely to stay on track to graduate, choose the right courses, and develop a plan for their future. They are also more likely to feel supported and connected to their college community.

Here are some additional tips for getting the most out of your faculty advising sessions:

• Come prepared. Before your appointment, take some time to think about your academic goals and any specific questions you have. Communicate with your advisor about the purpose of the meeting with as much detail as possible. This will help your advisor prepare beforehand and make the most of your time.

• Be open to feedback. Your advisor may have some suggestions for you that you may not agree with at first. However, it is important to be open to their feedback and consider their suggestions.

• Take action. After your appointment, take some time to implement the suggestions your advisor gave you. This will help you make progress toward your academic goals.