Academic Advising at the University of Chicago
The College Advisers are located on the second floor of Harper Memorial Library in the Office of the Dean of Students in the College. There are more than twenty full-time advisers, each with different academic credentials, professional backgrounds, and areas of expertise. During the summer prior to matriculation new students are assigned an academic adviser at random, regardless of intended major. In most cases student and adviser will remain paired for the next four years. The philosophy underlying this system is that the most effective advising relationships are those in which adviser and advisee know each other well. This unique system has been in existence at the University of Chicago for more than forty years.
Advisers listen to student concerns, empower students to solve problems, and perform routine administrative tasks on behalf of their advisees. In addition, they also offer:
Advice regarding academic planning issues
Advice regarding problems that students may have
- Academic difficulties
- Financial problems
- Personal issues
Advice or programming in certain areas of specialization
- Fellowship and Scholarship Advising
- Arts & Sciences Advising
- Business Advising
- Health Professions Advising
- Prelaw Advising
- Study abroad Advising
Other Sources of Advice for students in the College
- Academic Skills Assessment Program
- Career Advising and Planning Services (CAPS)
- College Programming Office
- Collegiate Divisions, Departments and, Academic Programs
- Core Tutoring Program
- Office of College Aid
- Office of the Dean of Students in the University
- Office of Undergraduate Student Housing
- Student Care Center
- Student Counseling and Resource Service (SCRS)
Changing Advisers
In the event that an adviser assignment is not successful, make an appointment with the Dean of Students to discuss changing advisers. First-year students should give the relationship time to form and may not request reassignment until Winter Quarter at the earliest.
