What to Expect

How Academic Advising Can Help!

The Academic Advising Office primarily works with first and second year students. Six professional academic advisors are ready to help you, so please read through our services and visit our offices.

• First Year
• Second Year
• Transfer Students
• Four-Year Plan
• Majors Exploration Program (MEP)

First Year

Every student is assigned an academic advisor who will work with you until you declare your major. During your first semester, you will have two individual meetings with your advisor in addition to two group meetings.

Your advisor's door is always open to meet more frequently, and an appointment sheet is posted outside your advisor's office. No question is too small to discuss with your academic advisor. If we cannot give you an immediate answer, we will find the person or office to assist you.

Second Year

By the second semester of sophomore year, most students are ready to declare a major. This means that your four-year plan is complete and you move into your major department.  See more information below about the Four-Year Plan.

At this point, you receive a new advisor who is a faculty member in your major department. The college celebrates your reception into your major department with the Sophomore Pinning Ceremony in April. At this ceremony, you are officially part of a department and you are welcomed by a faculty member in that department. You are clearly on your way to completing your degree!

Transfer Students

As a transfer student, you have already experienced academic life at college. At Emmanuel, you will be working immediately with the transfer advisor who will assist you in constructing your academic plan, and choosing the courses that you need.

As soon as you are ready, usually within your first semester at Emmanuel, you will declare your major and move into your chosen department with a faculty advisor in your area of interest.

Four-Year Plan

We want you to complete your Emmanuel education in eight semesters, which is four years for most students. To ensure that this happens, you and your advisor will begin to construct a four-year plan during your second semester at the College.

This plan allows you to decide what courses you will take each semester, and this plan is invaluable as you continue. It can be altered and modified as you continue your academic career, but it gives you a firm framework from which to choose your courses each semester.

View a sample four-year plan »

Majors Exploration Program (MEP)

Some students arrive at college knowing exactly what they wish to major in. Other students have a less clear idea of a field or study, or only a fuzzy idea of an area of interest. If you are a student who is exploring possible areas of study, the Majors Exploration Program is designed for you.

To assist you in determing a major that fits you, the MEP provides individualized advising as well as the opportunity to take the FOCUS test. This test helps a student develop an accurate picture of personal strengths, needs, and preferences; and will assist you and your academic advisor in developing a sound career plan and choosing an appropriate major. We want you to choose a major that showcases your strengths and interests!

Learn more about the FOCUS test »