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Types of Advisors
Because you are complex and because the University is also complex, you may have more than one advisor available to you in different situations.
You may have a primary academic advisor who will help you assess your goals, strengths and needs and how they fit into what the University has to offer. You may also have another advisor who helps you plan for a semester abroad, or a student advisor who lives in your residence hall and can answer basic procedural questions you may have, or an administrative advisor in your Deans Office who can help you address obstacles you might bump into.
Know who your resources are and take advantage of all of them as the need arises.
Faculty Advisor
A faculty advisor's primary responsibilities are teaching, research and service to the institution and his/her own academic discipline. However, like all other advisors, faculty advisors assist students with academic planning, meeting degree requirements, and setting educational and career goals. They give specific advice for majors, preparing them for advanced study and careers and provide information about co-curricular opportunities and individual academic/research work.
Because your faculty advisor has many different responsibilities, you need to plan ahead when seeking the assistance of a faculty advisor: be prepared with questions and be aware of office hours.
Professional Academic Advisor
Professional academic advisors also assist students with academic planning, degree requirements, and setting educational and career goals. They provide information on rules and regulations, graduation requirements, transfer issues, study abroad and other co-curricular opportunities, class scheduling and life after graduation.
An academic advisor directly advises students but also has other responsibilities such as updating student records, recruitment, program coordination, advising student groups, preparation of printed material, participation on campus/departmental committees and teaching.
A professional advisor will have more time available for meeting with individual students than do faculty advisors. However, because of other commitments, they, too, will be unavailable at some times. Making an appointment or checking walk-in hours will limit your frustration.
Peer Advisor (PA)
A Peer Advisor is an upperclass student selected to work with Freshman Interest Group (FIGS). If you are in a FIG your PA will live close to you in the residence hall and will co-teach your proseminar. You PA will be able to provide you with basic procedural information and help you connect effectively with other resources on campus.
Community Advisor (CA)
A Community Advisor is an upperclass student selected by the Residential Life staff to live near you in the residence hall and help you adjust to college, make contact with other residents and facilitate personal growth.
Financial Aid Advisor
If you are receiving financial aid, you will have an advisor in the financial aid office who can help you with your grants, scholarships and loans. This advisor will refer you to your assigned academic advisor when you are ready to discuss degree choices and progress.
Study Abroad Advisor
If you will be studying abroad, you will be assigned to a study abroad advisor who will help you identify and apply for relevant programs. This person will work with you and your academic advisor to incorporate study abroad onto your overall degree plan.
Family and Friends
Even though they may be wonderful people and brilliant students, your friends and family are not trained academic advisors. Any time you have questions or need assistance, you should speak with those professionals trained to give you current and accurate information.
International Student Advisor
If you are an international student, you will come in contact with an international student advisor. An international student advisor assists you in immigration-related concerns. This person will help guide you in maintaining your visa status if you are in F-1 or J-1 visa status.
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