Academic Advising
Academic advising and course registration
One of the most valuable advantages of attending a small college like Cornell is the close, personalized relationship students can build with their faculty advisor. At Cornell, advisors get to know their advisees, understand their goals, and check in regularly—both inside and outside of the classroom. This relationship creates a supportive, mentoring environment where students are more likely to seek guidance, stay on track academically, and make confident decisions about majors, internships, and career paths. Faculty advisors at small colleges are not just course schedulers—they become coaches, advocates, and sometimes even a lifeline when things get tough. This individualized attention helps students thrive both academically and personally.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES AS AN ADVISEEFrequently Asked Questions
All students must have an academic advisor in order to register for or change classes, and to remain enrolled and receive credit for courses completed.
Your initial academic advisor upon entry to Cornell was assigned to you on the basis of the interests you indicated in the admissions application and survey. Students who wish to change advisors may do so at any time by conferring with the Registrar, and filing a Change of Advisor Form.
Most students remain with their first advisor until they file a Declaration of Major/Minor Form to declare their degree program and major(s) in their sophomore year. At this time you must select an advisor in each of your major and minor departments. All students must choose a primary major. The academic advisor for the primary major serves as the student's primary advisor. The primary advisor is the person who will help you create your schedule, receive academic information about you, and endorse any petitions you may file.