Academic Advising
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
When planning your course of study prior to your first semester, you should reflect on your interests and what you hope to accomplish through your studies. In May, students who have been admitted for the fall term will be able to complete the academic advising questionnaire that will lead to the assignment of your faculty advisor and student mentor. Contact the Office of Academic Advising for advice as your plan your courses and complete 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 student mentor will also be available via email to help answer any questions your might have over the summer as you pre-register for your 11 credits. You will have access to their information via MyWM.
Your Initial Advisor
All admitted students are assigned a faculty advisor and student mentor based on the information you provide on the academic advising questionnaire which is accessible through your MyWM website during the summer prior to the start of the fall term. It is very important that you take the time to fill out the information regarding your interests and activities so that the office can match you with a faculty/student mentor that shares your interests. You and your advisor will continue to work together until you declare a major.
There are three required academic advising meetings that will take place between you and your faculty advisor during your first semester at the College. Your initial face to face meeting with your advisor will take place during the orientation period right before school begins in the fall. Your faculty advisor will assistance you with registering for the other courses needed to complete a "full load" of classes (typically 12 - 15 credits per semester). 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. Your additional two meetings will take place prior to registering for spring term and once again prior to the subsequent summer and fall registration terms.
Some students are fairly certain they want to pursue a pre-professional track leading to a specific profession. If this is the case with you, it is 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 have completed 39 credits you are eligible to declare your major at the College. (Please keep in mind that you must declare a major once you have completed 54 credits) When you are ready to declare your major, contact the appropriate 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 as well as complete the Declaration of Major Form, which you will then submit it to the Registrar. Please note that if you are planning to double major you will be assigned a faculty advisor in for each major. If you are planning to major in Business or Education you will have to apply to these programs in order to be admitted in their programs.
Completing Your Degree
Use the various advising resources on this website 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.
From time to time, consult the self-service Curriculum, Advising and Program Planning (CAPP) module in Banner, available through myWM. This degree-evaluation module will help you chart your progress toward completing your degree.
