The Advising Process
Boston College academic advisors are committed to helping you identify your interests, choose a major, and fulfill the requirements for graduation. Here’s an overview of how the advising process works in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences.
Process Overview
Summer Orientation
The advising process at BC begins before you enter the University. At Summer Orientation you’ll meet with an assigned faculty advisor from the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences to discuss your academic interests, degree requirements, and how to register for classes. In addition, staff members in the Academic Advising Center are available for consultation and advisement throughout the summer. In most cases, your Summer Orientation Advisor will not continue to advise you in the fall.
Pre-Major Advisor
All first-year students are assigned a pre-major advisor at the beginning of Fall Semester regardless of major declaration. You will meet your advisor during Welcome Week during an advising session hosted by the Academic Advising Center, and you will remain with that advisor throughout your freshman year.
You should plan to meet in-person with your advisor at least twice each semester. Your advisor will help you to think strategically about your long-range academic plans, encouraging you to keep your options open so that you’ll be able to take advantage of opportunities like study-abroad programs, research grants, or internships.
Your pre-major advisor might be your instructor in a Cornerstone Seminar, a Courage to Know course, an advising section of Perspectives, or an advising section of the First-Year Writing Seminar. If you are not enrolled in one of these advising sections, your pre-major advisor will be a faculty member or administrator who works under the aegis of the Academic Advising Center.
Major Advisor
In your sophomore year, after you have declared a major, your major department will assign a faculty member to be your major advisor. Major advisors are the best source of information about your major, so get to know your advisor and be in touch when you have questions or concerns. If you do not know who your major advisor is, check the "Academic Advisor" link on your Agora Portal or ask a departmental administrator.
If you remain undeclared as a sophomore, you will remain with your pre-major advisor until you declare a major. You should plan to declare a major by the end of your sophomore year.
Advising In Second Majors or Minors
Even if you have a second major or a minor, you will only have an assigned advisor for your first major. Some departments have designated faculty who advise second majors or minors; all departments have a director of undergraduate studies who can also serve in this role. If you have an interdisciplinary minor, you should consult with the Director of the Interdisciplinary Program for advising.
Making the Most of Advising
Touch base with your advisor frequently, especially early in the fall semester as you explore your interests and see how your fall courses are going. The more your advisor knows about your interests and concerns, the more they can support you. Early planning can open opportunities, identify issues early, and solve problems. So take advantage of your advisor’s knowledge and interest!
The Degree Audit
In the middle of every semester, your advisor will review your Degree Audit with you and discuss your course registration plans for the upcoming fall or spring semester. You must schedule a meeting with your advisor during the advising and registration period to discuss your course registration plans. After meeting with your advisor, they will clear you for registration. Without clearance, there will be a hold on your account and you will not be able to register for courses at your assigned registration appointment time. It’s your responsibility to arrange a registration advising meeting with your assigned advisor, so be sure to do so in order to avoid a delay in your course registration process.
How Should I Prepare for My Advising Appointment?
Here are some guidelines for how each class year can prepare for the advising process. It is your responsibility to schedule a meeting with your advisor prior to course registration and come to the meeting having done your research and planning for the next semester.