Yale College
Dean's Office
P.O. Box 208241
New Haven, CT
06520-8241   USA

Your Sophomore Year Adviser

"I wish I had had a real conversation with my adviser instead of just dropping by his office to have my schedule signed."

"Don't be afraid to talk to your sophomore year adviser. Call or e-mail when you have questions or want advice about academics or even other things."

"Get to know your teachers. Go to office hours. It's the most underutilized resource at Yale, and sophomore year is definitely the time to start the habit. Really, it's easy. Don't have a question for office hours? Look over the last class notes, find something interesting, bring it up, and ask if the teacher would elaborate on the point. A conversation happens naturally from there."

"Remember that any DUS can be an adviser in addition to your sophomore year adviser. Make a point to talk to the DUS of your major or possible major, whether or not a DUS is your sophomore year adviser."

Any member of the Yale College faculty is eligible to be your adviser, and most are happy to advise. You may choose to continue with your freshman faculty adviser, approach the instructor of a course related to your academic interests, or consult with a fellow of your residential college who teaches in a department that interests you. Directors of undergraduate studies and departmental representatives are especially valuable as advisers.

If you plan to major in a natural science or engineering, your sophomore course schedules must be approved by the DUS of your major or by a designated departmental representative. The DUS may also be your sophomore adviser if you wish and if he or she agrees.

Note: If you would like your sophomore year adviser to be from MCDB, contact the department's undergraduate registrar, Crystal Adamchek, rather than a faculty member. The registrar serves as the point of first contact for students seeking advisers and can recommend appropriate faculty members.

Visit your adviser during office hours, or arrange a special meeting. It is best to meet with your adviser well before the day your course schedule is due so you can relax and talk, not just rush in for a signature. Feel free to discuss not only your choices of particular courses, but also the relative merits of various options in the Yale curriculum.