Academic Advising

Academic advising is based on the philosophy that advising enables students to build on their strengths, identify and improve on their weaknesses, and maximize their use of available resources.
First-year students are assigned a “First-Year Advisor” prior to the beginning of the semester in which they enter. First-Year Advisors are either members of the faculty or experienced professional advisors.

Incoming students will meet with their First-Year Advisor during orientation to plan their course of study. First-year students are required to meet with their First-Year Advisors each semester to change courses, discuss academic concerns, link their academic interests with their professional plans, and strategize for registration for the following semester.

After a student’s first-year at Simmons, they will transition to a major advisor who is a faculty member within their intended area of study and continue their academic journey at Simmons with their new advisor. If a student is unsure about what they would like to major in after their first year, they will be supported by a professional advisor in the Office of Undergraduate Advising until they have decided on their major(s) and minor(s).

Professional and faculty advisors assist students in planning academic schedules and interpreting the goals and objectives of a Simmons education. Advisors guide students through departmental requirements while helping them to focus their studies. Advisors specialize not only in a student’s general academic program but also in pre-law and pre-health, and they serve as a liaison to faculty for student athletes. Advisors are knowledgeable about the requirements of majors and minors and are also prepared to discuss career and graduate school possibilities.