If you are struggling academically or you find yourself in academic trouble, your advisor will be among the first to know. In such circumstances, the advisor’s job is to advise you through your difficulties and help you get back on track. However, none of this will happen unless you seek out advising and take maximum advantage of its potential to enhance your UVM experience. It has been said that the relationship between an advisor and student is like a blind date: given differences of character, temperament and values, it does not always blossom into affection. You can only know this, though, once you have taken the initiative to meet with your advisor.

A mentor to help you plan

Because a major in an individual GRS program requires a certain number of high-level courses in a foreign language and will likely include study abroad, you should begin planning your major fairly early during your time here at UVM. During your first and second years, you should take required foreign language courses as well as introductory-level courses in the humanities and social sciences, which serve as prerequisites for subsequent upper-level courses.