Office of Academic Advising | W&M Arts & Sciences

Undergraduate Program

Academic Advising: Overview

Academic advising is a distinguishing feature of the College of William and Mary. It is based on mentoring relationships with faculty advisors assigned to help you meet your academic goals throughout your undergraduate studies, to guide you to the next level and even to involve you in research projects.

Once You're Admitted

You can begin planning your studies as soon as you are admitted as a student. In the summer prior to your first semester, you should reflect on your interests and what you hope to accomplish through your studies. When you have paid your deposit, you will be able to complete the academic advising questionnaire that will lead to the assignment of your faculty advisor and peer mentor. Contact the Office of Academic Advising frequently for advice as you plan your courses and complete summer pre-registration for up to 11 credits. Pat Lawrence (757-221-2476) will help you with your questions and refer you to the appropriate advisor or to the resources we have provided to help you learn the College's degree requirements and how you might begin to plan an academic program.

Your Initial Advisor

All admitted students are assigned a faculty advisor by the Director of Academic Advising based on the information you provide on the questionnaire which is distributed online in the summer preceding admission. Normally, you and your advisor will continue to work together until you declare a major.

The first meeting with your advisor will take place during the orientation period before you register for the other courses you will need to make up your "full load" (typically 15 credits per semester, although we strongly recommend a lighter load for first-semester students - maybe 12-13 credits). You are responsible for setting up this meeting by signing up on a list posted on your advisor's door or in the department building. At this meeting you will review your academic goals, review your course selections, and begin to map out an academic plan to meet your goals and satisfy the College's degree requirements.

Some students are fairly certain they intend to pursue a pre-professional track leading to a specific profession. If this is the case with you, it's especially important that you choose courses carefully to satisfy these additional requirements. We recommend that in addition to meeting with your initial advisor, you also make an appointment with the appropriate pre-professional faculty advisor.

Your Major Advisor

When you are ready to declare your major, contact the Department or Program to find out how to be matched with your major advisor. Before you first meet with your major advisor, you should download the Declaration of Major Form and complete it, as far as possible, in pencil, so that you are prepared to work with that faculty member on the remainder of your academic studies. You and your advisor will plan your course of study and other opportunities and complete the Declaration of Major Form, which you will then submit it to the Registrar.

Completing Your Degree

Use the various advising resources at the College of William and Mary wisely to plan an optimal educational experience. Talk with your academic advisor frequently as new interests emerge and new avenues through the curriculum beckon. Consider appealing combinations, such as a double major or a combined major and minor. Be open to off-campus options such as the Washington Program and Study Abroad. Prepare for your future through undergraduate research experiences, internships and visits to the Career Center.