First-Year Advising
Advising is an important function to Clarkson University’s faculty and staff. Although all students have access to a faculty and/or administrative advisor, an added service offered by Clarkson is a First-Year Advising Center for students who want extra guidance. Many students want to tailor their education to pursue multiple interests, or they are still deciding on their career direction.
Clarkson’s First-Year Advising Center helps students identify campus resources so they can take advantage of the opportunities available at the University. For example, they can help students connect with people to answer questions about: academic and career options, tutoring, academic programs/majors, residence life, counseling, special learning or accommodative services, study abroad opportunities, cooperative education, financial and registration information.
It is not unusual for students to experience many changes in their first year on campus, and we provide resources to help them get “connected” to the University.
Examples of services provided include:- Create an academic plan so they can discover and pursue new interests.
- Plan their major or course selection
- Answer questions about degree or program requirements
- Connect with on-and-off campus resources
- Cope with academic difficulties
- Make informed decisions about educational goals
- Identify independent research opportunities and team-based projects available to students.
FAQ's
What can the First-Year Advising Office do for my son/daughter?
Is the First-Year Advising Office open to everyone?
How can the First-Year Advising Office help my son or daughter?
My son/daughter is currently in a major, but is undecided about what he/she wishes to do academically. What can we do?
What if my son or daughter wishes to change majors?
When does my son or daughter select courses?
Connect them with on and off campus resources such as:
● Academic Programs of Study
● Tutoring
● Counseling Center
● Accommodative Services
● Career Center
● Writing Center
● Experiential Learning Programs
Is the First-Year Advising Office open to everyone?
Yes, any student can visit and use the services of the First-Year Advising Office. First-year students are encouraged to initiate meetings with the First-Year Advising office whenever a concern arises. Some of the reasons why students visit the office include:
● Degree requirements
● Ease of changing majors in the first two years
● Planning a major or course selection
● Coping with academic and personal difficulties
● Making informed decisions about educational goals
● Help in identifying independent research opportunities and team-based projects
Throughout the year, individual meetings may be arranged at any time at the initiative of either the student or the advisor. First-year students are required to meet with their academic advisor at least once during each semester.
How can the First-Year Advising Office help my son or daughter?
Academic advising is the “centerpiece” of the First-Year Advising Office. A professional advisor will be available to meet with first-year students throughout the academic year. Most often, the initial meeting deals with the student’s overall adjustment to life on campus and to provide information about resources available to assist students with academic or other concerns as appropriate. Many times, the advisor follows closely the academic progress of first year students and then schedules follow-up appointments as warranted.Additionally throughout the year, an advisor is available to assist students with academic concerns. These include awareness of support systems and other resources available on campus and in the surrounding area, as well as ongoing guidance regarding academic goals and eventual choice of major.
My son/daughter is currently in a major, but is undecided about what he/she wishes to do academically. What can we do?
The Director of First-Year Advising is also the Director of the University Studies Program, which is for students who are undecided academically. Parents and students alike can contact the First-Year Advising Office to talk about what options are available.
What if my son or daughter wishes to change majors?
Many students decide to change their majors, minor, or even complete dual/double degrees. The First-Year Advisor will work closely with your student in exploring options that complement his or her academic and career interests.
When does my son or daughter select courses?
Course enrollment usually takes place in November (for spring semester courses) and in April (for fall semester courses). A few days prior to course selection, students receive information from the Student Administrative Services and your son or daughter’s academic department about the dates, time, and procedure of course enrollment.
