Academic advising at Lawrence is more than choosing classes — it’s about discovering who you are, what excites you, and how your education can help you get there. Your faculty academic advisor is here to guide and support you every step of the way.

You’re in charge of your Lawrence education, but you’re never on your own. Your faculty academic advisor is here to help you explore options, make informed choices, and chart a course toward your goals.

Your faculty academic advisor can assist you in:

  • understanding the curriculum
  • identifying your strengths and weaknesses
  • setting your goals
  • effectively utilizing the resources of Lawrence

Building a strong connection with your faculty academic advisor is one of the best ways to make the most of your Lawrence experience.

Types of Academic Advisors

 

new student REGISTRATION ADVISOR

Before you arrive on campus, you’ll meet with a new student registration advisor who will help you choose and register for your first-term classes during the summer. They’ll answer your questions, explain degree options, and make sure you feel confident about your schedule before you start your Lawrence journey.

Pre-major advisor

Before you arrive for Welcome Week, you’ll be assigned a pre-major advisor in your degree program. If you’re pursuing a double degree, you’ll have two advisors — one for each program.

You’ll meet your pre-major advisor for the first time during Welcome Week. Together, you’ll talk about your academic interests and goals, explore course options, and start planning your Lawrence experience. Your advisor will also help you adjust to college-level expectations and make the most of your first year.

Because the pre-major advisor is here to help you explore your interests and understand the general curriculum, pre-major faculty advisors come from all areas of the College and Conservatory. It is unlikely that your pre-major advisor will come from the department/area in which you are considering a major, unless you are a Conservatory student or transfer student who has already completed at least one year of college. You will continue to work with your pre-major advisor until you officially declare a major.

Major advisor

By the end of your sophomore year (ideally before spring registration), you’ll transition to a faculty advisor within your declared major. Your major advisor will continue to help you reflect on your goals, plan courses within the major, and connect your academic interests to opportunities beyond the classroom.

If you declare more than one major, you’ll have an advisor for each one — ensuring that you have support across all your academic areas.

Navigate Student

Use Navigate360 Student to schedule appointments, explore resources, and plan for your academic success.

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Registration Portal Tutorials

When your registration window opens, you'll be able to register for classes through Lawrence's registration portal.  Check out our video tutorials to help you get registered.

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Find your advisor

You can find your assigned advisor(s) in Degree Works. Your advisor assignment(s) will be listed in the top section of your degree audit. Assignments for new students will appear in early September before Welcome Week.

Find your assigned advisor

Spring Registration & Advising Holds 

Each spring term, you will register for classes for all three terms of the following academic year. Be sure to meet with your advisor as you plan your future class schedule, as you will also need your advisor to release your "advising hold" before registering for classes. The advising hold is a way to make sure you receive the appropriate guidance before you register for classes.

Important Resources

Majors, Minors, & Programs
Find more information about our areas of study including their requirements. You can contact department chairs and program directors for specific questions. You will also find program-specific advising resources linked under "Additional Resources" at the very bottom of program pages. 

Declare a Major/Minor/Interdisciplinary Area
Use this form to declare a major, minor, and/or interdisciplinary area. Students should declare a major by the end of their sophomore year, but ideally before spring registration begins.

Change your Academic Advisor
Use this form to change advisors after declaring a major. You can also use this form to change academic advisors at any time, provided you have consent from the new advisor. 

Class Schedule
This helps you plan your schedule and be prepared ahead of your advising meetings.

Course Catalog
This is the official record of Lawrence’s requirements. It has full information about requirements and academic procedures and regulations.

Academic Procedures, Regulations, and Forms
This page provides an overview of key academic procedures (e.g., dropping a course, requesting an incomplete, withdrawing from Lawrence, etc.).

Registration Schedule
This page provides an overview of key registration periods for the 2023-2024 academic year.

What Can I Do With This Major?
Explore common career paths, types of employers that hire in the field, and strategies to maximize opportunities

Career Center
Learn more about connecting your academic interests to your career goals. Find support for internships, job searches, and more.

Center for Academic Success
Discover a wide array of support and services including academic skills classes, tutoring, accessibility, and more.

Questions or Concerns?

For any additional questions or concerns, please contact Jacklyn John Fischer, Assistant Vice President of Student Success.

jacklyn.j.fischer@lawrence.edu

920-832-6986

Email Academic Advising

For Academic Advisors

Be sure to refer to the Academic Advising SharePoint site for the Advising Handbook and advising resources.