Advising FAQ - Lawrence University

Student Academic Services

Who is responsible for my future?
What does an advisor do?
How was my advisor assigned?
When I declare my major, will my advisor change?
How do I change my advisor?
What is the advising relationship?
For what do I need to contact my advisor?
How do I prepare for my appointments?
Does the advising relationship work the same way in the conservatory?
Will my advisor keep track of my degree requirements?
Is it my advisor's responsibility to be in charge of my education?

Who is responsible for my future?

As a student at Lawrence University, you have the responsibility for planning and pursuing your own educational program. You are able to make your own choices and take actions.

What does an advisor do?

A faculty advisor is assigned to help you plan your educational program. The advisor can assist you in understanding your strengths and weaknesses, setting your goals and utilizing the resources of Lawrence effectively.

Your Lawrence education can be most rewarding when you build a strong relationship with a faculty advisor. In addition to an excellent education, you may gain a valued mentor.

How was my advisor assigned?

Upon entering Lawrence, some students are matched to a faculty advisor on the basis of similar academic interests. Many students are exploring the diverse areas of study, however, and are assigned to a faculty member who is prepared to advise across the liberal arts curriculum. This process is designed to provide a firm base for beginning the advising relationship.

When I declare my major, will my advisor change?

Students are required by faculty legislation (June 1987) to declare majors and have advisors in their major department by the beginning of the junior year.

How do I change my advisor?

Most students' needs or interests change over time. You aren't required to change advisors each time your interests change, however. Not until your junior year must your advisor be in the department of your intended major. However, advisors recognize that each has a different style and that effective advising depends on the student's perception that the advisor provides useful information.

All new students keep their assigned advisors for at least one term. After that time, you may decide to change advisors. Your advisor will not be offended if you change.

If you decide you would like to change advisors,

1. Complete an Advisor Change Form available from:

- the Registrar (Brokaw Hall) or

- http://www.lawrence.edu/dept/registrar/forms.shtml or

- the office of the Dean of Student Academic Services (1st floor Briggs)

2. Obtain the signature only of your new advisor

3. Return the form to the Registrar. The Registrar notifies your former advisor and requests that your advising material be forwarded to the new advisor.

If you are considering an advisor change and want to discuss your options, please see Dean Hemwall or Dean Gajewski in Student Academic Services (x6530, 1st floor Briggs).

What is the advising relationship?

The contact with your advisor represents a significant relationship which demands thought and care to make it flourish. If you use your advisor seriously to advance your education and development, you will find your advisor continually helpful and responsive.

For what do I need to contact my advisor?

You will need to contact your advisor in order to:

advance register
change courses
select the S/U option for a course
register for an underload or an overload
petition the Sub-Committee on Administration for an exception to an academic regulation.

These actions require an advisor's signature, or the release of an advising hold, to verify that you have discussed your decision with your advisor.

You may also choose to meet with your advisor to:

discuss your academic program broadly and review plans for the future
plan a schedule of courses
reflect on changes and plans
clarify issues which confuse you
alleviate problems and difficulties with courses
identify campus resources

Your advisor will listen to your plans or questions, and present approaches to making the best decision. Often the advisor will refer you to the Career Center, Writing Lab, Counseling Services, to a dean, or other offices to obtain additional insights or more specific information before you make a decision.

How do I prepare for my appointments?

Make an appointment or use regular office hours. Advisors cannot be effective if students ask to have forms signed in the hall or between classes.
Plan ahead for the meeting. Prepare a list of specific ideas or questions you wish to discuss.
Identify your central concerns in the meeting. Be specific about the kind of advice you want; do not expect the advisor to ferret out the issues.
Ask questions and ask your advisor to question you.

Does the advising relationship work the same way in the conservatory?

Conservatory regulations governing issues such as transfer music credit, student-designed music majors and B.A. music requirements may differ from the general university regulations, in which case students will need to petition the Conservatory Committee on Administration as well. In either the conservatory or the college, the advisor must sign the appropriate form; this signature indicates advice was given.

Will my advisor keep track of my degree requirements?

Since your education is your responsibility, do not expect the advisor to keep track of your requirements. Advisors may review requirements periodically, as part of course planning, but you are responsible to be sure you have met all requirements for your degree.

Is it my advisor's responsibility to be in charge of my education?

Students mistakenly think their advisors are able to approve/deny an opportunity or request. At Lawrence, this is not true. The advisor can approve/deny a request for an underload or overload only. In all other cases, advisors provide perspectives to help you make choices; an advisor must sign forms, but the signature means only “I have given the student my best advice on this matter.” Do not expect or ask your advisor to make decisions for you. All final decisions are yours.