| The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources | ||
| WHAT TO EXPECT: | ||
| What is a faculty advisor? | ||
| When we surveyed RSENR students in spring of 2001, they told us that what they want most from a faculty advisor is advice: advice about course selection, advice about majors, advice about career opportunities. Friendship and mentoring were also high on the list. Asked to assess the quality of advising they are receiving in RSENR, students were very positive. We want EVERY student to receive high quality academic advising too. | ||
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The relationship between individual students and their faculty advisors is of central importance to the supportive atmosphere of the School. It is the student's responsibility to communicate regularly with his/her advisor to obtain assistance in clarifying and meeting educational, professional and personal goals. |
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| The small size of
RSENR permits many opportunities for student-faculty interaction
in and beyond the classroom. Faculty advisors generally have
fewer than 30 advisees making it possible for them to work
closely with each individual student on course decisions,
career exploration, part-time employment referrals, and academic
and personal concerns. This direct contact can establish a
good basis for future professional references as well as a
friendship lasting beyond the college years. |
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| FIRST-YEAR STUDENT ADVISORS: | ||
| A full-time faculty member is assigned as the faculty advisor for each first-year student. Advisors and advisees meet during the June Orientation and again during the Connections program before classes start in the fall. This person serves as the student's advisor throughout the first year and into the second year too if the student is still undecided about a major. The six faculty who serve as advisors to first-year students have particular interest in working with students early in their college careers, helping to identify options and providing ample support. | ||
| UPPER-LEVEL STUDENT ADVISORS: | ||
| Students who have decided on a major by the end of the first year switch to a new faculty advisor, someone who specializes in advising upper-level students in a particular academic area. | ||
| HOW TO ARRANGE MEETINGS WITH YOUR ADVISOR: | ||
| The best way to meet with your advisor is to call for an appointment or drop by during office hours. If you cannot reach your advisor, leave a message requesting a return call. It is important to realize that faculty are frequently away from their offices teaching, doing research, and participating in a wide array of service obligations. If you are having ongoing trouble making the connection, please contact the Dean's Office (656-4280, 330 Aiken) for help. | ||
| HOW TO CHANGE ADVISORS: | ||
| Sometimes a particular student and faculty member turn out to be mismatched. Changing advisors is a simple process; just contact the Dean's Office (656-4280, 330 Aiken). | ||
Last modified May 27 2008 11:56 AM
