Student-Advisor Relationship

Upon enrollment at the University of Rochester, each entering student will be assigned a four-year College advisor who will meet you prior to the start of your first year and provide guidance and support until you graduate. Students intending to major in one of the programs in the Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, will also be assigned to a faculty advisor and an undergraduate coordinator in the first year. For Hajim students, the initial point of contact for all academic matters will be your faculty advisor and your undergraduate coordinator.

 College advisors, faculty advisors and undergraduate coordinators will help you:

  • Clarify your interests and identify, and create an academic plan
  • Explore majors, minors, and clusters
  • Navigate the campus and the greater-Rochester community
  • Identify academic and campus resources
  • Refer you to advisors who can assist you with career related decisions
  • Formally declare your major(s)
  • Provide guidance in the event of challenging circumstances
  • Confirm that that you are on track for graduation

Upon formal declaration of your major, generally at the end of your sophomore year, students pursuing a program in Arts and Sciences, will be assigned to a faculty advisor within their major department.

In order to make the most of your intellectual journey at Rochester, your advisors will encourage you to continue to build relationships with peers, staff and faculty throughout your years of undergraduate study. We hope that your advisors will continue to be an important source of information and support until graduation. Additionally, we anticipate that the relationships you develop with faculty, staff, and the advisors in the College Center for Advising Services and other offices across campus, will be vital to your success as a college student.

In all cases, it is important to recognize that Rochester has a variety of individuals and resources to support your academic journey. By seeking out conversations with others, you will develop a community of advisors who will enrich your own experience, and help you make thoughtful choices about your academic plans.

Meeting with Your Advisor

Tips for meeting with your academic advisor:

  • Consider your academic goals and interests. Prepare a list of courses you are interested in taking before meeting with your advisor.
  • Do your research about the academic programs you are interested in before your meeting.
  • Ask your advisor, "What other people on campus should I get to know?"
  • Bring questions to your advising appointments and take notes during the meeting.
  • Resist the temptation to believe that your advisor should have and give you all of the answers. Instead, expect that your advisor will help you problem-solve and arrive at your own answers.
  • Share with your advisor any changed interests and any areas that you would like to improve upon.
  • Approach your advising meetings with an open mind.
  • Ask your advisor about special academic opportunities such as independent study, research, study abroad, and certificate programs.

Academic advisors in Arts, Sciences and Engineering respect student confidentiality rights regarding personal information and follow the University’s guidance as it relates to the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). (Adapted from the National Academic Advising Association Statement of Core Values.)