While we do ask that students make an effort to allow relationships with their advisors to develop over time, those that are clearly not working to the benefit of the student should not be sustained, and the student should request a reassignment at the Office of the Dean of the College. Many students requesting a new advisor will be assigned to an academic dean. Students are required to formally declare a concentration before the end of their fourth semester. Those who fail to do so will be refused registration for the fall semester of their junior year. Forms to declare a concentration are available in the Office of the Registrar, and students must also make an appointment to see the advisor for the particular program in which they are interested.
Many students change their minds after declaring a concentration program.
They may switch to another area at any time as long as they have time to fulfill the new concentration's requirements. At the beginning of the sophomore year, the Office of the Dean of the College offers programs to address students' concentration-related concerns. My daughter has been thinking that she might want to defer admission to Brown in order to pursue a compelling internship or work opportunity for a year. Newly admitted students who wish to defer matriculation must contact the admission office at 401 863-2378. My son has been admitted to Brown as a mid-year student.