Developing and Using a Relationship with Your Advisor

Who is my advisor?

Genetics majors are assigned to a faculty advisor in their first semester. You can find the name of your faculty advisor on your AccessPlus account. You may also have access to an academic advisor, or professional advisor, who is located in Undergraduate Student Services in 103 Bessey Hall.

List of Faculty Advisors and Contact Information

What does my advisor do?

Your advisor is reponsible for helping you make good choices about coursework, careers and study areas. They are also responsible for helping you to learn how to interpret university and departmental guildlines, rules and regulations. They can also offer helpful advice about studying, creating course schedules, possible research areas, and how and when to apply for graduate and professional programs.

When should I meet with my advisor?

In order to register for classes each semester, you must meet with your advisor in person to get your Registration Access Number. In addition, you may be required to meet with your advisor should you be put on Academic Warning or Probation and your registration may be held until you do so.

How do I know what my advisor expects from me?

Every advisor is different. Some have clear cut expectations of every student and others develop them with the student as their relationship progresses and grows. The only way to know for sure is to get to know your advisor and ask questions.

You may want to review Jennifer Clair-Toy's academic advising syllabus, which details what she would like to see her students gain from their relationship with her as an advisor.

View Advising Syllabus