Academic Advising
At Lesley, academic advising is not just a service; it's a partnership dedicated to guiding students on their path to success. We are committed to providing students with a proactive and holistic advising experience tailored to their unique needs.
Within our coordinated advising model, students receive specialized guidance from advisors aligned with each academic area, Mental Health & Well-Being, Education, Art & Design, and Liberal Arts & Business.
Our advisors employ a student-centric approach, recognizing that every individual has distinct goals, interests, and challenges. Through one-on-one consultations, group workshops, and ongoing communication, we aim to foster an inclusive, supportive environment that empowers students to explore their academic and professional aspirations.
Graduate Advising Teams
Graduate student advising at Lesley University is facilitated by program-affiliated advising teams who understand the complexities of their academic programs, careers and licensure requirements, and scholarly needs. Each graduate student is paired with both an academic advisor and a faculty advisor. Together, this advising team is responsible for coordinating academic advising services and ensuring effective support for students. Frequent collaboration between faculty and academic advisors ensures comprehensive support for students' academic progress and information on requirements and available opportunities.
Upon acceptance into a program, graduate students are required to initiate contact with their academic advisor, marking the beginning of the academic advising and program planning process. Advisors assist with inquiries on a wide range of topics that may include university policies, registration procedures, course sequencing, elective choices, licensure exams, and other program-specific requirements. Acting as liaisons between students and university support offices, advisors play a crucial role in facilitating a seamless academic experience.
Academic and faculty advisor contact information is accessible through the Self-Service portal, allowing students to proactively engage with the available supports.
Email questions to graduate advising to Grad.advising@lesley.edu or find out more about your advisor at https://linktr.ee/LU_advising
Advising Roles and Responsibilities
The advisee-advisor relationship is based on a philosophy of shared responsibility. This collaborative effort ensures a dynamic advising relationship that fosters both personal and academic growth. Ultimate responsibility for satisfying university, academic, and professional requirements rests with the student. Students are therefore encouraged to take ownership of their educational journey by staying informed about university policies, utilizing available resources, and engaging in open communication with their advisors.
Advisee’s Role and Responsibilities
- Refer to the academic catalog, program handbooks, and self-service to familiarize yourself with requirements, university policies, and resources.
- Come to advising meetings prepared by gathering all relevant decision-making information.
- Accept responsibility for your decisions and behaviors.
- Keep your advisor up to date on any changes in your academic progress and/or plans and any medical, financial, or personal issues that may affect your academic performance.
- Read Lesley University email.
- Communicate with your advisor; ask questions if a specific concern or an issue is not clear.
- Attend advising meetings as needed.
- Monitor your program progression.
- Utilize university resources.
- Meet deadlines as appropriate.
Advisor’s Role and Responsibilities
- Assist you in developing an educational plan that is consistent with your goals and interests.
- Facilitate your understanding of the curriculum, graduation requirements, and university policies and procedures.
- Refer you to the resources you need.
- Listen to your concerns and respect your values and choices.
- Assist you in monitoring your academic progress.
- Be accessible.
- Develop a collaborative relationship with you.
- Encourage and support your educational exploration.
- Assist you in completing your program within your intended timeline.
- Help you prepare for post-graduation goals.