Academic Advising

Comprehensive academic advising is a priority in the Graduate School of Education. All matriculated students are part of a program-affiliated advising team consisting of an academic advisor and a faculty advisor. Our advising philosophy is grounded in student development theory, highlighting themes of collaboration, student empowerment, shared responsibility, and support. We continually strive to improve the quality of academic advising, strengthen university-wide relationships, and respond to the ever-changing needs of our students.

Academic advisors facilitate all aspects of the advising process, offering advice on a broad range of topics including university policies, course selection and sequence, registration procedures, and Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) requirements. Academic advisors serve as liaisons to their advisees, highlighting Lesley’s support services and providing general program guidance. Upon acceptance, students meet with their academic advisor to begin the advising process and program planning.

Faculty advisors help students to define a clear pathway to their chosen career and guide them throughout their program to achieve their professional goals. Faculty advisors are assigned within the first semester, and students are urged to schedule an appointment as early in their program as possible.

Although academic and faculty advisors provide advice and counsel, students ultimately bear the primary responsibility for maintaining ownership over progress in their programs. They are encouraged to seek out information; read carefully through all materials regarding grading, academic integrity, and related policies; and take advantage of the many opportunities for support to ensure that they are actively participating in the graduate school experience.