The Professional Academic Advisors
Throughout your career in VPA, you will have a professional academic advisor who will guide, counsel and inform you about matters relating to the pursuit of your degree. Your advisor will be one of your best resources as you figure out your academic career at Syracuse; they help navigate class schedules, course selection and provide information on how to get involved with the college, University and Syracuse arts community in order to graduate on time and with the experience necessary to succeed. Don't hesitate to contact your advisor with any questions!
Roles and Responsibilities
Advising is a two-sided relationship: you, as a student, are just as accountable for the quality of advising as your advisor.
- Inform: An advisor may inform advisees about degree requirements, resources for study (minors, etc.) and educational opportunities (study abroad, etc.).
- Deliberate: An advisor may discuss with advisees about which courses to take, career goals, progress toward completion of degree, course scheduling and extracurricular interests.
- Advocate: An advisor may be an advocate for advisees by writing letters of recommendation for jobs, internships or graduate school.
- Refer: An advisor may refer an advisee to a person or office when the advisee’s needs extend beyond the reach of their professional abilities. Examples include adjustment problems, assessing learning disabilities, personal crises and grievances.
- Keep records: When appropriate, an advisor may keep records, notes, degree progress checklists, etc., to facilitate progress towards degree completion.
- Be respectful of your advisor’s time: come to meetings prepared.
- Know and fulfill your degree requirements. Become familiar with your Degree Works page.
- Be proactive. This includes knowing your advisor’s office hours, contact information, and how appointments are created. Get comfortable utilizing Orange Success. You should reach out to your advisor to schedule meetings if you cannot meet during posted office hours. Make sure you schedule meetings well in advance of deadlines and ask for information/advice/assistance when needed.
- Speak up: your advisor cannot help you unless you tell them that there is a problem.
The professional academic advisors at VPA are here to help you! Please stop by or contact your advisor when you need help with:
- Identifying degree options
- Admissions requirements
- Evaluating your transcripts
- Identifying educational and financial services
- Monitoring your progress