Colonial Inauguration Spring 2010

Academic Advising

Each school has an advising office that has created your GW First Class tutorial to assist you with registering for classes. Check out their websites for more information on services, resources, and names/phone numbers.

Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (CCAS)

Elliott School of International Affairs (ESIA)

GW School of Business (GWSB)

School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS)

School of Public Health and Health Services (SPHHS)

Academic advising is a crucial part of your university education. It enables you to draw on the experiences of many others at the University, not only the faculty, but staff members and student peers. As you begin your academic career, you will receive much new information and be asked to make many new and difficult choices. Academic advisors will help you to sort through the new material and make wise and satisfying decisions. Because they have gone through the process themselves, and because they are specially trained to know the curriculum, they can help you to identify courses and programs suited to your interests and strengths.

Academic advising differs substantially from the counseling you received in high school, where many of your academic actions and choices were taken care of for you. These choices are now up to you, and you must take the initiative to explore and discuss your curriculum with your advisor.

Advising is a part of learning. You will probably have more than one academic advisor during your four years at GW; you might even have more than one during your initial advising experience. Each has unique experiences and insights to offer. Seek advice early and often.

Faculty in your chosen discipline can provide invaluable information and may serve as advisors in your major field. A faculty member may help you choose a specialization within your program, explore second majors, minors, or study abroad programs, and begin your career development. Up to graduation, and even after, there are many ways you can utilize the experience and insight faculty members have to offer.

Getting to know faculty, staff, and students at GW is an important part of your college education. Getting to know and working closely with your academic advisor can help you establish a solid academic foundation for the future.