Mentoring & Advising

What Is It and How Do I Get Assigned?

The English Department begins advising majors in the department when they reach 60 hours or when they have completed 45 hours, Area F for English majors, and English 3000, whichever comes first.

Students are assigned to a faculty member, who will serve as their mentor through the rest of their degree program, and to a professional advisor, who oversees their progress toward degree and clears them to register for classes. Students must meet with their mentors at least once every term before they see their academic advisors. To be assigned to a mentor and advisor, English majors should meet briefly with the Administrative Coordinator (706-542-2258, Park Hall 134).

Once you have been assigned a mentor and advisor, you can view this information on the English Department home page under Majors. Type in your name to locate your mentor and advisor. Click here to go straight to the list.

Why Do I Need a Mentor?

The purpose of the mentoring program is to promote contact between undergraduates and faculty members. For the student, the mentoring program is an opportunity to get to know, and to make yourself known to, at least one faculty member during the course of your studies in this department. This is important, since your mentor will not only offer useful advice about the English Department while you are here, but also can become a fruitful source of recommendation letters after you graduate. Most important, however, your relationship with your mentor has the potential to enrich your experience in the English Department by putting you in touch with someone who shares your passion for literature and learning.

What Do I Talk To My Mentor About?

Before meeting with your mentor for the first time, take a few moments to read his or her bio in the departmental directory. This will tell you a good deal about that person's research interests and professional activities. Many faculty members also have websites linked from their directory pages that will reveal even more about their interests. At your meeting, begin by telling your mentor about yourself. Why did you choose an English major? What are your favorite books? What are your other interests? Mentors are also rich sources of information about the Department -- which courses are being offered next term, which faculty members share some of your interests, what sequences of courses might be fruitful in light of your interests. If you spend some time reviewing course offerings for the upcoming term before your meeting, you will be able to ask questions about particular courses and the people who teach them. Mentors can also answer questions about graduate school and make recommendations about courses to take in preparation for various graduate degree programs. They can also offer advice about how to turn a strong undergraduate project into a larger research project.

What Does My Academic Advisor Do?

In addition to teaching in the English Department, your academic advisor is a professional who is trained in the details of all requirements, departmental, college-wide, and university-wide. Your academic advisor ensures that the courses you want to take will progress you toward your degree. Advisors also know a good deal about electives that might be useful for an English major with your particular interests. They are knowledgeable about how paper and information flow throughout the University, so they are your best resource for getting answers to any questions you have related to your degree program.

How Do I Find Out Who My Mentor and Advisor Are?

Mentors and advisors are assigned to new majors in the first few weeks of each term. If a mentor and advisor have already been assigned to you, the quickest way to get contact information and instructions on making an appointment is from our the Majors list in our departmental directory. Simply type your name into the search box. If you do not find your name here, then please visit the Undergraduate Office in Park 134. Ms. Menken will open a file for you, assign you a mentor and advisor, and answer any questions you have about the English Undergraduate program.

Where Do I Get Answers to Questions that Are Unanswered Here?

Contact the Undergraduate Administrative Coordinator, at (706) 542-2258.