EMSC 302
Orientation to Energy and Sustainability Policy

Advisers & Advising, cont.

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Advisers & Advising: Communicating with your Adviser

There's no such thing as a dumb question or "being a bother". We need to hear from you so that we can help you. Brandi and I both have a large advising roster, but that doesn't mean that we don't have time for you. If you have an advising related question, email us using your Penn State email account (Outlook). We both prefer email for the initial communication, because that way we have time to look up your record and better understand your situation. Also, email allows us to keep an accurate record of our communications, and it also gives you something to refer back to if needed.

At a bare minimum, you should check in with your adviser before every semester, so we can confirm the courses you intend to take will keep you on the most efficient path to graduation.

In your emails/communications with your adviser, you should:

  • Always include a clear and relevant subject line (e.g. "Question regarding SP19 scheduling" or "Update on my transfer courses from HCCC")
  • Address your adviser as instructed. (Brandi and I are both fine with our students/advisees using our first names, but for some reason people think it's okay to address us as "Prof" or "Hey" -- hint: it's not okay)
  • Use a greeting, puncutation, and capitalization. Always. 
  • Use full course names or numbers when referring to classes. When you say "That EGEE course I'm taking" that is not enough information. 
  • Be clear, specific, and to the point. 
  • If you'd prefer to talk on the phone or on zoom about the matter, state such in your email. 
  • Be patient. We will do our best to get back to you quickly, but because we both also teach and have other advisees, a same day response may not be possible.

Other items to consider:

  •  We are usually very responsive to both our students and our advisees, typically responding within 24-48 hours. If it's been a few days, and you haven't heard from your adviser, please feel free to email or call; chances are your email got lost in the shuffle. 
  • Check your Penn State email regularly. At least 3 times a week.