Overview
The College's academic advising program is a collaborative partnership between you and your advisors, as well as University faculty and staff members.
As a new student, you will be assigned a College advisor who will help you navigate your academic career from your first semester until commencement. Additionally, if you are intending to pursue a major in the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, you will be assigned a faculty advisor and undergraduate coordinator, aligned with your major, as additional academic advisors. Expand the topics below to learn more about each type of academic advisor.
For all new students
Your College advisor will guide you throughout your entire academic experience at the University of Rochester. You will first connect with your advisor as you choose your courses and transition into your first semester at the University. Following that, your advisor will partner with you as you make decisions about your program of study, choose courses and other academic opportunities, and get prepared for graduation.
Your College advisor will also help you with:
- Academic policies and procedures
- The transfer credit evaluation process
- Choosing courses to both explore your interests and fulfill academic requirements
- Formally declaring your major
- Support and guidance if you become "stuck" or experience academic challenges
- Confirm that you will complete all necessary degree requirements
When you are assigned a faculty advisor depends on what major you plan to study and what school your program is located in. If you are...
...intending to pursue a major in the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences: You will be assigned a faculty advisor from the department in which you are planning to major before your first semester at Rochester. In addition to your College advisor and your undergraduate coordinator, this additional academic advisor will offer perspective and discipline-specific expertise as you form your educational plans.
...intending to pursue a major in the School of Arts & Sciences: You will be assigned a faculty advisor in your discipline after formally declaring your major. If you declare more than one major or choose to declare a minor, you will also be assigned a faculty advisor in those disciplines, too.
...intending to pursue disciplines in both the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences and School of Arts & Sciences: You will be assigned a College advisor to help you navigate course planning for both majors, as well as a faculty advisor in your Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences major before your first semester.
Undergraduate coordinators are administrative staff within each academic department that can give you information on course offerings, sample course schedules, and help keep you on track to complete your degree. Whether or not you are assigned a specific undergraduate coordinator depends on the major you intend to study and what school your program is located in. If you are...
...intending to pursue a major in the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences: You will be assigned an undergraduate coordinator from the department in which you are planning to major before your first semester at Rochester. In addition to your College advisor and your faculty advisor, this additional academic advisor will help plan out your path to completing your degree in your chosen program of study.
...intending to pursue a major in the School of Arts & Sciences: You will not be assigned a specific undergraduate coordinator for your program of study, but we encourage you to reach out to your department's undergraduate coordinator before formally declaring your major to make sure you're on track to complete your degree on time.
...intending to pursue disciplines in both the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences and School of Arts & Sciences: You will be assigned an undergraduate coordinator from the department in which you are planning to major to help you plan your Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences program before your first semester at Rochester. You will not be assigned a specific undergraduate coordinator for your School of Arts & Sciences program, but we encourage you to reach out to your department's undergraduate coordinator before formally declaring your major to make sure you're on track to complete your degree on time.
New Student Advising Process
Course registration takes place over the summer, before arriving to campus for Fall Welcome Week. In advance of that, you will partner with your advisor/s to develop a plan based on your interests and goals. The summer advising process consists of four mandatory components:
Step 1: Complete your Academic Interests Form.
Early May to June 14
This form is required for all incoming students to help your academic advisor(s) best understand your academic interests and goals. Through this form, you’ll confirm the program(s) of study you are most interested in pursuing at the University of Rochester and share a little more about your background and passions both inside and outside of the classroom. Use the button below to learn about how to complete the form by June 14.
Step 2: Preparing for your advising discussions.
Late June to Mid-July
Once you've submitted your Academic Interests Form, you'll have about a month to prepare to connect with your academic advisor(s). We encourage you to review the Explore Courses section of this website before you complete the required Course Planning Form. Then, you'll bring that completed form with you to your discussion(s) about your first-semester courses. These resources can help you review the types of courses available to incoming students, recommended courses by subject area, and any prerequisites or placement exams needed for the courses you're interested in.
Step 3: Connect with your academic advisor(s).
Early July to Early August
After the Independence Day (July 4) holiday, your academic advisor(s) will reach out to you directly at your Rochester email address to begin discussing your academic plans and fall semester course options. Please avoid contacting your advisor(s) prior to this communication, as the advising team continues to support current University of Rochester students in the spring and early summer.
Step 4: Register for your fall semester classes.
Tuesday, August 6 and Wednesday, August 7
After your academic advisors(s) approve of your proposed fall semester courses, you'll start preparing to register for classes on Tuesday, August 6 (for transfer students) and Wednesday, August 7 (for first-year students). Course registration will take place online in UR Student, the University's student information system. To make sure you're prepared on registration day: