The Academic Advising Center (AAC) supports all undergraduate students in developing meaningful educational plans that align with their academic, career, and personal goals. Through a proactive, developmental advising approach, the AAC helps students develop the skills needed to make informed decisions, become independent self-advocates, and effectively engage with campus resources that support their academic success and persistence.
Emerson utilizes a centralized advising model in which professional advisors, housed in the AAC, support students across all majors and minors. Available year-round, advisors are well-versed in academic programs, policies, and procedures, and collaborate with support networks across the campus community. Each undergraduate student is assigned a dedicated professional advisor who remains with them throughout their time at Emerson, ensuring consistent, personalized academic guidance from orientation through graduation.
In addition to professional advising, some programs incorporate specialized faculty mentorship. Performing Arts students are paired with a faculty mentor within their major, Honors students are advised by the Honors Program Director, and Interdisciplinary Studies students are mentored by the Director of the Interdisciplinary Studies Major. These students also retain a professional advisor in the AAC for additional academic guidance. More broadly, all students are encouraged to connect with faculty mentors in their departments to explore disciplinary interests, career pathways, and industry-specific opportunities.
Together, Emerson’s professional advising and faculty mentorship model fosters deeper student engagement, strengthens relationships, and enhances both academic and professional readiness. This integrated approach reflects Emerson’s commitment to supporting students holistically—from matriculation through graduation and beyond.
Professional Academic Advisors
Professional academic advisors specialize in degree completion, academic planning, and navigating college policies and resources. Students are strongly encouraged to build an ongoing relationship with their assigned advisor throughout their time at Emerson.
Advisors support students in:
- Defining educational goals and academic pathways
- Monitoring progress toward degree completion
- Developing long-term academic plans
- Understanding liberal arts and major requirements
- Exploring or initiating major and minor changes
- Preparing for course selection and registration
- Adjusting schedules during add/drop periods
- Interpreting academic standards, policies, and procedures
- Evaluating options when experiencing academic difficulty
- Considering participation in education abroad and domestic programs
- Connecting with appropriate campus resources
While professional advisors and faculty mentors provide academic guidance, students are ultimately responsible for understanding degree requirements, selecting courses, making informed academic decisions, and using institutional resources—including the course catalog and degree audit—to support their academic success.
