STUDENT DEPARTMENTAL ADVISERS

Every spring the Dean of Students Office writes to all juniors in your department with GPAs of 3.00 or higher describing the duties of Student Departmental Advisers (SDAs) and inviting them to apply. They are referred to you for detailed information on how they are utilized in your department. Those who are sure they would like the voluntary position will contact you. In April, have your department select one (or two depending on your department’s size) from those who apply and from faculty nominations, and report your choice to Tammy Anderson in the Dean of Students Office.

How are SDAs used? Departments differ. As minimum service, SDAs generally provide information about courses, prerequisites, and the department’s program in general to underclassmen during New Student Week, the annual October Major’s Fair, advising days and registration periods and at other times as needed – for example, at your annual meeting with sophomores who are considering a major in your department (if you hold one). Some departments have their SDAs performing a variety of tasks within the department: members of department curricular committees, involvement with department reviews, organizing activities to recruit new majors.

The Dean of Students staff provides SDAs with a notebook of materials (similar to the information in your Department Chair Handbook) and a one hour orientation during New Student Week. The Dean’s Office believes that SDAs as well-informed peer academic advisers can play a valuable role in the College’s and each department’s academic advising system.