Academic Advising

Academic advising is based on the philosophy that advising enables students to build on their strengths, identify and improve on their weaknesses, and maximize their use of available resources.

First year students are assigned a “PLAN Advisor” prior to the beginning of the semester in which they enter. PLAN Advisors are either members of the faculty or experienced professional advisors. Incoming students will meet with their PLAN Advisor during orientation to plan their course of study. First-year students are required to meet with their PLAN Advisors each semester to change courses, discuss academic concerns, link their academic interests with their professional plans, and strategize for registration for the following semester.

After a student’s first year at Simmons, they will transition to a faculty advisor in their intended area of study and to continue their academic journey at Simmons with faculty in their major. If a student is still unsure of what they would like to major in, they can remain with their first-year advisor until they have decided upon major(s) and minor(s).

Professional and faculty advisors assist students in planning academic schedules and interpreting the goals and objectives of a Simmons education. Advisors guide students through departmental requirements while helping them to focus their studies. In addition to a student’s general academic program, advisors specialize in pre-law, pre-health, and serve as a liaison to faculty for student athletes. Advisors are knowledgeable about the requirements and are also prepared to discuss career and graduate school possibilities.