Academic Advising

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.