Faculty and Academic Advising

At the School of Education, we support and empower students in a collaborative and inclusive environment to realize their potential; make informed decisions; attain their academic, personal, and career goals; and engage in an interconnected and rapidly changing world.

To support you throughout your course of study, SOE offers a combination of professional academic advisors, faculty mentors and advisors, and peer advisors.

Undergraduate Student Advising

Academic Advising

Undergraduate academic advisors are professional staff in the Office of Academic and Student Services who help you plan and keep track of your academic goals and get you ready for graduation.

Our advisors can help you with the course registration process, graduation requirements, transferring programs or credits, University and School policies and rules, and documentation.

They also can help you with college life issues such as finding belonging and community, exploring other programs at Syracuse University, and helping you to engage with other resources and offices on campus.

View advising staff and find your academic advisor

Faculty Mentoring and Support

SOE faculty are student-centered and committed to your success. They are available to help you with academic decision-making and planning and to provide personal and professional support, including advising on honors and research projects, discussing program requirements, developing a program of study, and discussing your future education or career plans.

Faculty maintain posted office hours and are available to meet with students on a regular basis.

Peer Advisors

Peer advisors are sophomores through seniors who serve as a resource for incoming first-year students, beginning in the summer prior to arriving on campus and lasting throughout the first year.

These SOE veterans are trained to answer your questions about academic and social life within Syracuse University and have first-hand experience of what it is like to enter into the SOE community for the first time.

SOE undergraduate peer advisors

Graduate Student Advising: School of Education

Academic Advising

Graduate academic advisors are professional staff who help you plan and keep track of your academic goals and get you ready for graduation.

Our advisors can help you with the registration process, graduation requirements, transferring programs or credits, University and School policies and rules, and documentation.

They can also help you with college life issues such as finding belonging and community, exploring other programs at Syracuse University, and helping you engage with other resources and offices on campus.

View advising staff and find your academic advisor

Faculty Advising

Your faculty advisor is an SOE instructor or professor associated with your academic program and assigned to you when you matriculate. They are available to assist you with academic decision-making and planning and to provide personal and professional support.

Your advisor will help you develop your program of study and discuss your program requirements, such as a portfolio or intensive exam. Faculty advisors maintain posted office hours and are available to meet with students on a regular basis.

Graduate Student Advising: School of Social Work

Each Master of Social Work student is assigned an academic advisor who is a member of the faculty or professional staff in the School of Social Work. Academic advisors work together with students to select courses, meet degree certification requirements, and support students’ professional interests and academic development.

Collaborative Advising Model

Academic advising is a collaborative relationship between a student and their advisors that supports the advancement of academic and career goals.

Student Responsibilities

• Schedule an appointment with your advisor at least once a semester. Cancel appointments ahead of time if you are unable to attend the meeting.
• Review DegreeWorks each semester and track your progress toward completing graduation requirements.
• Attend to Orange Success notifications (e.g., flags and kudos).
• Thoroughly read and respond to syr.edu emails promptly.
• Develop a working knowledge of policies, procedures, deadlines, and campus resources.
• Accept responsibility for decisions and actions that impact your academic and personal goals.
• Conduct yourself in a professional manner in and out of the classroom.
• Self-advocate and proactively seek support from your advisor when needed.

Advisor Responsibilities

• Advise students in making academic decisions that support goals and interests as they relate to majors and minors.
• Develop purposeful relationships with students and inform students of the nature of academic and faculty advising responsibilities.
• Assist students in understanding the purpose of DegreeWorks and—where applicable—Orange Success.
• Maintain accurate student records in DegreeWorks.
• Monitor and respond to Orange Success flags and kudos (where applicable).
• Be available to students to provide academic and personal support.
• Be an active listener in discussions and respond with information that supports student needs.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance to FERPA regulations.
• Be accessible and create an environment that is safe and respectful.
• Be familiar with campus resources for student referrals.
• Challenge students to reflect on and take ownership of their academic journey.
• Respond to emails and phone calls promptly.