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Home > College Offices > Dean of Students > Student Handbook > Academic Life > Academic Advising
Academic Advising
Faculty Academic Advisor
Every new student is assigned an academic advisor. The academic advisor is a student’s chief resource for all information about academic matters; the advisor also clears students for registration. However a student may, and often should, seek academic advice from other members of the faculty. The faculty advisor remains a student’s advisor until the sophomore year, unless the advisor is going on leave. In such a case, the student will select or be assigned a new advisor for her sophomore year. A Student may change advisors by submitting to the registrar's office a "change of advisor" form, signed by a faculty member of her choice. When a student declares her major, usually in the fall or spring of her sophomore year, she will be assigned a new advisor by the appropriate department or program. A student may request a particular advisor, and this request is honored whenever possible.
Class Deans
When questions or problems arise that are difficult, or are very specific in nature, students contact their class dean in Mary Lyon Hall. Class deans are always available to supplement advice given by the faculty advisors. The dean of first-year studies offers support and advice to new students as they select courses, consider new academic options, and explore new fields of study. First year students often confer with the dean about difficulties in particular courses, approaches to writing papers and studying for exams, tutoring, and Five College courses. The dean of first-year studies administers academic advising for new students.
After the first year a student who would like to consult with a dean will begin a relationship with her class dean, who will continue to be her dean until she graduates. During her sophomore year a student’s class dean may conduct programs for sophomores who are pondering a choice of major. During the junior year the class dean may focus more on issues that arise in the major, while in the senior year she may work more with the issues around graduation or post-graduate plans. Most students will feel that their advising needs are met by faculty advisors and the rich network of other advising resources, but students should always feel free to consult with their class dean. Any student who wishes to change her class dean should consult with the dean of the College.
Dean of Studies
The Dean of Studies works with the academic deans and faculty to oversee the administration of educational policies, regulations, and decisions of faculty and faculty committees. The dean chairs the AAB and the Fellowship Committee. Working with the office of the dean of the College, the dean coordinates procedures and advice regarding transfers, leaves of absence and withdrawals, special majors, five-College courses, and fellowships.
The Frances Perkins Program
The Frances Perkins Program is designed for women beyond the traditional undergraduate age who wish to continue a college education either on a full- or part-time basis. As is the case with traditional students, each Frances Perkins student meets all degree requirements and is assigned an academic advisor with whom she confers about course selections and degree requirements. She may also consult with staff and peer advisors of the Frances Perkins Program. The director and associate director are responsible for recruitment, orientation, coordination of transfer credit evaluation, academic advising, programs with the Career Development Center, and other campus resources. The Frances Perkins Steering Committee reviews candidates for admission and works closely with faculty and administrators to enhance educational and support services for Frances Perkins students.
The Frances Perkins Program office is located in the Newhall Center. More information is available online at the Frances Perkins Program
Transfer Student Advising
The Coordinator of Transfer Affairs assists with academic advising assignments, with the evaluation of transfer credits, and plans orientation for students entering Mount Holyoke with advanced standing (transfer students) from other U.S. colleges and universities or from universities abroad. More information is available for transfer advising online.
Students with Disabilities Advising
Student Advisors
Beginning in the 2005-2006 academic year all student advisors serve also as peer academic advisors for first-year students. Their chief goal is to help prepare first-year students for faculty advising. They have been trained as academic advisors by the academic deans, and are a valuable source of information and perspective for all students. Typically they meet with each first-year student at the beginning of their first year, and prior to advising periods for early registration.
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