About Advising

Faculty Advising

Each student is assigned a faculty advisor with whom they are required to meet at least twice per year. No student is permitted to register for classes in any semester without first meeting with an advisor and a review of their Permission to Register form. Students who take the time to prepare for these meetings generally find them beneficial and informative. Faculty advisors are the best source of information about electives within the major, research opportunities, and options for graduate study.

Before you meet with your advisor:

1. Find out whether your advisor sees students during set office hours or by appointment before the advance registration period begins, in order to avoid creating a rushed and harried appointment, or even missing the pre-registration period entirely.
   
   
2. Take the time to read over your degree requirements, course rosters, and course descriptions. This will enable you to formulate informed and intelligent questions. Remember, your advisor is only a resource; you are ultimately responsible for your academic career.
   
   
3. Make certain to bring all forms that your advisor may be required to sign, including your "Advisor Sign-off" form and a print-out of an updated online worksheet available on Penn In Touch (Course Planning Guide). This will save you from having to make a second appointment.

The Engineering Dean's Advisory Board (EDAB) created the following Academic Advising Tips sheets that my help you when you are meeting with your advisor:

• Quick Tips for freshmen
• Quick Tips for sophomores
• Quick Tips for juniors
• Quick Tips for seniors

Professional Staff Advisors

Staff advisors in the Academic Programs Office (APO) are there to guide you in selecting your courses to fulfill your Social Science and Humanities requirements or in choosing Free Elective courses. They can also help you explore other academic options such as study abroad, dual degrees, minors, and submatriculation opportunities in graduate programs across the University. If you find yourself in some academic trouble, need a referral for academic support, or are having some personal problems, APO Staff Advisors are available to assist you in whatever way they can. (For a complete list of staff at APO, click here.)

Seeing a Staff Advisor

Walk-in Hours 2:00 to 4:00 pm, Monday through Thursday. Additional hours available by appointment. Location: 111 Towne Building, phone number 215-898-7246.

Advisors:
Ellen Eckert

Michele Grab
Dr. Jan Van der Spiegel
Joseph Sun (For Study Abroad Only)

Dr. S. Sonya Gwak (For Non-Academic Advising Only)