Student Advising

The MDP Program Committee assigns incoming students with faculty advisors, and sometimes co-advisors, in the months of July and August, a bit later than the general Humphrey student population. Often, MDP advisors are members of the MDP Program Committee and, when appropriate, advisors or co-advisors may be other faculty. The Committee strives to find the best match between the student and faculty interests based on available information. 

Sometimes the fit isn't right. As a student, you don't need to feel anxious or nervous about seeking a change in your advisor. If you are feeling that another faculty member is a better fit AND if that individual is open to advising you, it is okay to work with the program to make arrangements for a change. Should you find yourself in this position, reach out to the Program Director to facilitate the process. 

Student Roles & Responsibilities

You are the number one factor in your academic and professional success! In addition to working hard on classes and co-curricular activities, your can foster positive outcomes by embracing the following roles and responsibilities:

• Use office hours or make (and keep) appointments. Appointments are needed each semester before the class registration period begins. It is the student’s responsibility to reach out to the faculty advisor to set a meeting time. Some faculty may need a follow-up email. Please be generous about reminding very busy people who receive a lot of emails. 

• Use faculty time effectively by coming to meetings prepared with focused, professional questions. Endeavor to present choices that reflect your interests and some research rather than framing discussions with open ended questions (e.g., what can I do for a minor?) 

• Check your UMN email account regularly

• Read and respond to all emails and correspondence from your faculty advisor

• Strive to understand the different roles that people play in the program, school and University. This can be a challenging task but it can save you time and perhaps spare you some frustration if you can start recognize where to go to resolve questions and issues. 

• Incoming students should plan to meet with the faculty advisor mid to late summer (ideally) or very early in the semester. Students are responsible for reaching out to adivsors once pairings are made. 

Faculty Advisor Role & Responsibilities

Faculty advisors support students in shaping academic and professional development objectives and strategies including advice, counsel, and guidance regarding concentration and elective course selection, internships, professional connections, and career options. Importantly, they do not find you internships and jobs, although they often provide important support in these areas. 

They also serve as signatories on required degree documentation, such as the course plan and some co-curricular applications for funding. Your advisor is prepared to support you in this way even if they don't know you very well, but it is always a great idea to try to build connections with your advisor for this and other reasons.  It is okay and encouraged to check in with your advisor even if you don't have a particular need. 

Advisors should:

• Endeavor to respond to emails from advisees, ideally within a few business days.

• Draw upon their area of academic and professional expertise to work with advisees to provide advice regarding concentration and elective course selection, internships, professional connections, and career development

• Help advisees develop professional goals and assists in designing concentration and elective courses to meet those goals