Academic Advising at Lesley University
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.
Getting Started: Advisors and Advising Resources
Upon acceptance into a program, all 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.
We are here to help you get started, and throughout your program! Connect with your academic advisor now or check out the Advising Linktree for access to advising resources. Academic and faculty advisor contact information is also accessible through the Self-Service portal.
Undergraduate Advising
Undergraduate student advising is facilitated by advisors who are knowledgeable as to supporting first time college students, transfers, adult learners, online, and the variety of needs and diverse experiences students bring upon enrollment. Professional advisors assist students in identifying programs and opportunities that best fit their educational and professional goals. Faculty mentors are available to undergraduate students who wish to explore professional fields in greater depth. Students are encouraged to work closely with both their faculty and professional advisors.
Graduate Advising
Graduate student advising is facilitated by program-affiliated advising teams who understand the complexities of 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.
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.
Advisors:
- 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.
Students:
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Refer to the academic catalog and program materials 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.
Accommodations for Students with a Documented Disability
Students with a documented disability who require any accommodations should contact dss@lesley.edu.
More information about Lesley's Disability Support Services can be found at https://lesley.edu/students/health-wellness-safety/disability-services.
Declaration of Major
Undergraduate students usually declare a major at the point of admission. Students in most programs who enter as “undeclared”, however, must declare a major by the completion of 48 credits. Undergraduate students choosing to major in Education must declare their major upon the completion of 30 credits.
Program Progress
Students with a declared major/program have access to their program progress through Lesley’s online “Student Planner” system in Self Service. Using the information detailed through their program progress, students should meet with their academic advisor every semester to review their progress and plan an appropriate schedule for the upcoming semesters. It is the student's responsibility to schedule this appointment with their academic advisor. Failure to do so may result in an error in course selection, which could adversely affect a student's graduation date. Adjustments to a student’s program progress (such as course substitutions, course waivers, or changes to the distribution of credits) must be documented with the Registrar’s Office. Program degree audits are maintained by the Registrar’s Office and are updated as necessary.
Student-Athlete Academic Support
Students who represent the University in intercollegiate competition are assisted with transitions to the campus and balancing athletics with college academic life. Lesley University Athletics is committed to ensuring that student-athletes meet University and NCAA standards while working on academic requirements for degree completion. Student athletes are encouraged to excel in the classroom and on the field, supported by advisors and the Student Athlete Specialist advisor. Student-athletes are encouraged to utilize tutoring and academic support services provided by the Center for Student Success and Advising, which is located on the second floor of University Hall. Contact tutoring@lesley.edu or advising@lesley.edu for more information.
Services for the Adult Learner
Lesley offers personalized, professional advising and support services to adult students to assist them in balancing coursework with ongoing work and life responsibilities. Lesley also offers unique and flexible degree options specifically for adult students who may also have numerous transfer credits and are returning to complete a bachelor’s degree. Academic Advisors, who specialize in working with adults, will assist students to select programs based on each student’s unique goals and life circumstances.
Courses may be taken on Lesley's Cambridge Campus, online, or in hybrid formats. For details, students should refer to the full descriptions of the programs in this catalog or contact the respective Department Chair for program requirements.
Lesley provides other supports for adults including advising on credit for college level learning earned through prior life experience through our Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process and other and alternative paths to credit attainment, including CLEP and ACE credits. Adult learners are also encouraged to enroll in a course designed for students transitioning back to higher education called “Transition Seminar: Lives in Context” (AINTD 2008) that provides support and academic guidance during a student’s first semester at Lesley.