Major Department Advising

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Directors of Undergraduate Studies

In each major, a faculty member serves as the director of undergraduate studies and works with students’ faculty advisors and with the undergraduate coordinator to assist current and prospective students.

Each major is different, but in many cases the faculty advisor or undergraduate coordinator handles most advising issues, referring students to the director of undergraduate studies for more unusual or difficult questions. In some majors, a designated faculty member performs some of the advising functions.

Director of Undergraduate Studies Responsibilities

Director of undergraduate studies responsibilities vary from major to major, but generally include the following:

  • For unaffiliated students:

    • Being available for meetings in order to provide information about the major, pre-affiliation course selection, and the affiliation and transfer processes.
    • Serving as the public face of the major at information sessions, ENGRG 1050 events, and major fairs.

  • For affiliated students:

    • Ensuring that up-to-date degree requirements and course offerings are publicized to faculty and students.
    • Serving as the point person for student concerns and issues with advising and curriculum.
    • Advising students on substitutions for required courses, and on the process for gaining approval for any deviation from curricular requirements.
    • Signing administrative paperwork when the faculty advisor is unavailable (in some majors).

Undergraduate Coordinators

Each major has an undergraduate coordinator who works with the director of undergraduate studies to help support students and faculty with any questions about the major.

While responsibilities vary between departments, undergraduate coordinators are generally responsible for:

  • Answering general questions about the Common Curriculum, affiliation and major curriculum requirements.
  • Tracking students’ academic progress within the major.
  • Assisting with college forms such as transfer credit applications, petitions, add/drop forms.
  • Serving as a point of contact when faculty advisor or the director of undergraduate studies is not available.
  • Being a resource to help students navigate Cornell to achieve success.