Frequently asked Questions about Advising
How is my academic advisor assigned?We try to assign you to an academic advisor based on your expressed area of interest on your Advising Survey on the NSO checklist. Please make sure you choose a department that interests YOU! When that is not possible, we look at additional factors to make pairings. Please keep in mind that all of our advisors are prepared to advise first-year students. You will choose a permanent (and possibly new) advisor when you declare a major during your sophomore year.
When and how will I be informed who my advisor will be?
By early August you will receive an email from Kate Fashimpaur, Coordinator of Academic Advising and Support. The e-mail will have the name of your academic advisor. Feel free to look up the faculty member on the Cornell website and learn about their academic interests. Most of
our faculty members are not on campus during the summer. You may either call
the Coordinator of Academic Advising at 319-895-4382 or email if you have any questions before your arrival on campus.
When will I meet my advisor?
You will have the opportunity to meet your advisor for the first time on
Wednesday, August 31, during New Student Orientation. Additional meetings will
be scheduled for you and your advisor during Orientation week.
How often should I meet with my advisor?
This depends on your advisor and your own
planning and initiative. Be sure to seek out your advisor any time you have an
academic matter that you want to discuss; early contact and discussion is
essential given the pace of One Course At A Time. If you need help of a
personal nature, your academic advisor will help you find the appropriate
resource(s). You can often get answers to your questions by phone
or e-mail.
How do I change my advisor?
We recommend you do not change advisors until after your first semester at
Cornell. But, if the need arises, it is easy to change advisors at any time by
filling out a “Change of Advisor” card available
on-line. Only your new advisor has to sign your card; you then
return it to Kate Fashimpaur, Coordinator of Academic Advising for processing.
Do I have to keep the same advisor throughout my Cornell career?
Most students keep their assigned advisor until they officially declare a major – the beginning of second semester of the sophomore year. When you
declare a major(s) you must obtain an advisor(s) in the department in which you
have declared a major(s). If you need
help finding an advisor, please contact the Coordinator, Kate Fashimpaur,
895-4382.
Who can help me with advice if I can not find my advisor or my advisor is
away from campus?
You can speak with any other faculty member of your advisor’s department. You
also may speak with the Coordinator of Academic Advising, Kate Fashimpaur, the
Registrar’s Office, or the Dean of Students, Heidi Levine- located on the first
floor of Old Sem.
What are some important things I need to know to succeed on the
One Course At A Time schedule?
- Take responsibility for your success as a student and advisee, your commitment is critical
- Attend every class, planning is the key
- Take delight in learning
- Take advantage of the opportunities the College offers: study abroad, internships, faculty-student research, etc.
- For more tips and information go to the Advising Survival Skills Page