In any situation where a student isn’t sure which advisor to email with a particular question or concern, they are always encouraged to email both their Professional and their Faculty advisor!
Professional Advisor:
Advise on college and university policies that are applicable to all CAS students such as course registration, major selection, degree requirements, withdrawal, academic probation, dismissal, etc. Responsibilities include:
Answering questions about Catamount Core and CAS Distribution Requirements as well as other degree requirements.
Helping students adjust their degree completion plans if and as events like major changes, personal setbacks, withdrawals, or academic dismissals occur.
Implementing intervention strategies when students are struggling and referring them to the appropriate support services.
Example Questions:
Shouldn’t this course I’ve taken be satisfying one of the requirements on my degree audit?
I am considering changing my major and/or minor, will I still be able to graduate on time?
How do I get off probation and what happens if I don’t?
How do I take a leave of absence or withdraw from the University?
How do I connect with supports like Counseling and Psychiatry Services, Student Accessibility Services, or Student Health Services?
Faculty Advisor:
Specialize in major-specific requirements. Mentor and prepare advisees for success in their chosen field and build intentional relationships that support and challenge. Responsibilities include:
Preparing students for success in their discipline (including consulting on course options as they pertain to future planning such as grad school, concentrations, or particular focus areas).
Suggesting relevant co-curricular and extra-curricular learning opportunities such as internships, theses, study abroad, research, and independent studies.
Providing career, graduate, and professional school planning.
Writing letters of recommendation when appropriate.
Example Questions:
I am interested in grad school, are there particular courses within my major that will set me up for success?
How do I get involved in research within my major?
I have an idea for an independent study—how will that apply towards my major requirements?
Would you have time and be able to write me a strong letter of recommendation for X, which is due [insert date]? Here are my materials [resume, transcript, statement of purpose, key points info on the work that I have done with you with dates/years indicated, etc.].
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