Director of Academic Advising Zaide Pixley

One of the ways we help students plan the most effective education is to assign each entering student to an advisor, whose primary responsibilities are the following:
a) to assist the student in selecting a program compatible with interests and abilities
b) to help the student in the evaluation of his/her academic program
c) to explore long-range goals and objectives with the student
d) to help coordinate and integrate the educational opportunities, both academic and experiential, available to the student.

At any time, a student may make arrangements with a selected faculty member and change advisors. It is important to encourage your student to discuss concerns and seek help from the advisor. Early intervention can sometimes make a difference.

Advising is just that—advice. Advisors do not make final decisions about the academic program Students must make their own decisions and accept responsibility for those decisions. The student is ultimately held responsible for meeting the graduation requirements. All of the requirements for graduation and information about courses are included in the College catalogue.

Parents often ask how we know if a student is having difficulty and what we do when we know. Many people (residence hall staff, health center staff, job supervisors, faculty) keep a watchful eye for behavior changes, such as sleeping in class, hyperactivity, slipping grades, tardiness, missing class, etc. This information is collected centrally and the advisor or a staff person in Student Development is asked to follow-up with the student in question. This network is very active for first and second year students, but by the junior and senior years, we assume that students will be responsible for making their own decisions and for seeking help if they need it. This system may not identify all of the students who are having difficulty. Students who are having academic difficulties are expected to request help from their professors and the academic support structures such as the Academic Resource Center. Please urge your son or daughter to seek help from one of us if you feel that they are in trouble.