Shepard Freshman Resource Center: Finding Your Advisor

One of the most important people during your years at the University will be your academic advisor. Your advisor, normally a professor in your major area, might help you select which courses to take each semester, and he or she will approve your proposed class schedule before you can register each term. Getting to know your advisor is important: he or she can offer you advice about careers or graduate school, help you find internships, help you make sure you are meeting the requirements for graduation, and potentially write letters of recommendation for you down the road.

Freshmen are assigned advisors based on their major. If you’re not sure who your advisor is, visit your college, school, or department’s main office and ask. Undecided majors can visit the College of Arts and Sciences to find out their advisor, or stop by the Shepard Freshman Resource Center for help. After you know your advisor, email him or her to make an appointment, and introduce yourself - advisors are expecting to hear from their advisees.