Upon entering the College, each freshman is assigned a faculty advisor who is able to answer many of the questions that arise during the initial period of adjustment to the college environment. Freshman faculty advisors offer their students information and advice about matters such as selecting appropriate courses and maintaining satisfactory academic progress. Students remain assigned to their freshman advisors until they declare a major. Students may declare their majors as early as their first semester of enrollment but must choose them by the fourth semester of college work. When students formally declare a major program of study, they are assigned a faculty advisor from the major department who helps the student design a program in the chosen field of study.
Academic advisors are also available in the college deans' offices.
The academic advisors have extensive experience with the special interests of undergraduate students. The advisors are available to help students with various advising concerns, including planning a curricular program, choosing a major, monitoring the completion of degree requirements, and using other university advising resources. The role of advisors is to give information and, when appropriate, to offer opinions or make recommendations. Students have the responsibility for making their own decisions, monitoring their progress toward the baccalaureate degree, and meeting all degree requirements. The degrees offered differ slightly in requirements but expose the student to a wide range of thought, fact, and human experience.