Advising

Students choosing to major in Political Science select their own advisor. Under University rules students must declare a major no later than the end of their sophomore year. Typically students will choose a professor who has instructed them in a course and who they have come to get to know, and Sophomore seminars provide a nice opportunity to get better acquainted with a professor.  If you do not know whom to ask, please consult the Department Chair, who will recommend someone based on your field of interest and the workload of various faculty members. Those students double-majoring in Political Science and another discipline must still have a Political Science advisor. All full-time faculty members in the Department participate in advising.

Majors are expected to consult with their advisors at least twice a year for the purpose of discussing the choice of courses and the development of a coherent program of study, and students are also required to submit to their advisor a completed degree certification sheet by the time specified by the Office of Undergraduate Studies. Majors are encouraged to meet with their advisors often and on any matters of academic interest or intellectual concern.

Your Advisor

Students should seek the guidance of an academic advisor by consulting with her/him for academic and professional advice. However, we encourage students to also heed the advice of a professor as well. It may be the professor in a class you are currently taking or a professor in a class you wish to take. Limiting yourself to just the advice of your advisor can cheat a student of exposure to other potential choices.

Advisors can suggest alternatives to solve student problems. In addition, students are asked to explore and understand their academic needs and interests and discuss them with their advisor. However, if your advisor is not meeting your needs we encourage students to speak with the Department Chair to help find an advisor who can. Advisors will not be insulted. They understand that a student's interests change. Remember, the advising system is in place to help the student.

Students are to be pro-active and:

• Check the professor's office hours in advance.
• If time allows, email and schedule a meeting with your advisor.
• A non-registration period is an optimum time to explore your career goals, academic issues, internships, etc.

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