Advising is a core component of the undergraduate program in Physics. All physics majors, whether their resident department is Physics or not, hold several meetings with their advisor early in their career and create an Academic Plan. The idea behind the requirement for this Plan reflects our goal that the students take responsibility for developing a comprehensive map of their own academic goals, thus linking all their curricular and other intellectual and artistic interests. Thereby, the Plan reflects their Major, Minor, and other goals and dreams. This does not always come easy to the student, and we provide whatever assistance is needed until everybody – student and advisor – is satisfied. In subsequent semesters, the Academic Plan is regularly revisited and modified as necessary.

There are several tangible benefits of this requirement: Students know well before graduation exactly which courses are required, thus preventing unpleasant surprises in their Senior year. If they seek double Majors or a double degree, we help the students to include their additional Major carefully into their Plan – so they are quite prepared when going to the other department.

We know from students who followed this scheme – starting with the Class of 2004 – that this model not only works but is indeed giving them a true sense of ownership and responsibility for their academic and extra-curricular development.

Reach out to our Director of Undergraduate Affairs Gillian Lynn Ryan with questions, or schedule a meeting with her to get started!