For the 2023 fall semester, the University of Massachusetts accepted 5,275 first-year students, bringing the overall enrollment number to approximately 22,750 students. With this many students across varying departments and majors, the advisors at UMass have their hands full. Regardless of what many students may think, the work of advisers has a direct impact on the choices students make and a tremendous impact on students’ experience at college.

Academic advisors primary job is to assist students with course registration, creating their college schedule and other smaller tasks. A faculty advisor, usually a professor of classes within the major or department, can give further insight into the material that certain classes will contain. Peer advisors are fellow students who can answer quick questions about the requirements of the major and give a student’s perspective on courses.

The level of advising support entirely depends on the needs of the student. A student’s major and department generally stipulate what type of advisors they will be in contact with. Some rely heavily on peer support, while others have a mix of faculty and academic advisors. Students may not get to connect with their advisor as much, especially if they are not assigned to a specific advisor for the length of the time they are in college.

Creating uniform advising across campus would be more beneficial for students regardless of whether they belong to a large department or not. The best way to do this would be to assign everyone a professional academic advisor, while also having peer advisors available. Not only would this ensure that students are getting the best information, but it would also create a connection with one advisor throughout their four or more years on campus, ensuring a better relationship and higher likelihood that students will reach out to their advisors when they encounter problems.

Research shows that advising directly impacts student success and that advisors generally do more than just assist students in course selection. They also “can contact students to congratulate them on accomplishments or express concern about academic progress” which can lead to students feeling more comfortable with their advisors and more likely to reach out when they first start struggling.

Students would benefit greatly by developing a relationship throughout their four years with a professional advisor. Students would feel more comfortable bringing their issues up and feel more connected to the community.  This responsibility is an unrealistic expectation to put on faculty advisors, making academic advisors even more important to have available.

Katie Seda can be reached at [email protected] and followed on Twitter @KatieSeda_.