Advising and Academic Support Services
Academic Advising
Every student at Olin has an advisor who is available to answer questions and offer guidance about a student’s progress to graduation, major requirements, course options, and other aspects of academic health and decision-making at Olin.
Advising relationships can have a significant impact on a student’s experience. Olin has a network of faculty, staff, students, and alumni who comprise a multi-faceted resource for guidance and support within and outside the classroom.
Students who wish to switch advisors can request to do so by contacting the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs. Any changes to faculty advising assignments will be made at the end or beginning of each semester.
Academic Assistance
One of the greatest strengths of our community is in the demonstrated care and effort made to work closely with students who have academic need. Though it may not feel this way, needing academic assistance is very common and is often seen as a positive sign of academic growth and learning. Olin offers multiple options for resources for support and academic assistance. On the part of the student in need, asking for help at the first sign of perceived need is most beneficial. Delay in reaching out tends to have a cumulative effect in courses that are largely project-based where work volume increases quickly and unpredictably. In other words, the sooner the student can reach out and connect with even one resource, the more support we can mobilize to work with that student.
Instructors
Students who need further clarification on course requirements and projects should feel empowered to seek assistance from their faculty instructors. Faculty instructors can arrange office hours as needed and can serve as an invaluable source of information as students work on any number of projects and assignments. Faculty can also help a student determine any need for additional resources. For some students, perceived academic need can be stressful, especially if the student does not have a frame of reference for their progress in a class. Your instructor can directly guide and support the student to better understand how individuals are doing.
Course Assistants (CAs)
Many faculty instructors employ CAs for class. These students have demonstrated strength in understanding course materials and are a vital resource for students with questions. CAs often hold office hours in the residence halls during times that are accessible to classmates. They can provide assistance in large and small group settings as well as on an individual basis.
Tutors
After working with instructors and CAs for the class, if students are in need of more assistance, they can also request a tutor. Students may do this for many different reasons, including that they feel that individualized attention will be beneficial for their success in a course. Tutors are often nominated by faculty instructors and are employed by the college. Students who feel that individual tutoring would be helpful to them should contact the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs as early in the semester as the need becomes apparent. Since the Student Affairs and Resources (StAR) office employs tutors on an as-requested basis, please allow time to locate and connect tutors and students together.
ARCs (Academic Resource Co-Designers)
Often, a student's academic need relates more to skills that have nothing to do with understanding the content of a course. ARCs are available as academic resources to students who may need assistance with academic skills such as time management, prioritization, study skills, stress management, etc. ARCs are trained in facilitation and listening skills, academic skills coaching, and peer mentorship. ARCs will be available to meet 1:1 and also as part of a walk-in service called the ARCaid, located in the Library. ARCs may also associate with particular classes as a resource for students, facilitate workshops on timely issues that affect students, and create resources for students to use. To connect with an ARC, please email the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs.