How does the advising system work at Allegheny?

All first-year students choose a First Seminar from the array of options offered. The professor for that course is the Faculty Advisor for each of the 15-16 students in the class. The First Seminar booklet comes in the mail as part of the series of mailings each new student receives. Each student writes an introductory letter to his or her faculty advisor prior to Orientation. During Orientation, students and their faculty advisor meet to discuss Allegheny's academic program as well as the individual student's course schedule. Contact between students and advisors is built upon the time spent in the seminar classroom. Students are encouraged to initiate other contacts with their advisors. Faculty members post their office hours and are quite accessible for making special appointments. Once students declare their majors, they may choose their faculty advisors from within the department of their declared major.  more