Types of Academic Counselling and Advising

The Faculty’s advising staff consists of 2 Associate Deans (Studies), 3 full-time and 2 part-time professional Academic Counsellors, 4 Student Resource Assistants, 20 PASS Peer Advisors and Departmental faculty advisors (at least one per department) who assist students with all academic matters. There are also advising resources available outside the faculty office that is discipline specific. Read below for more information about our advisors and who is best suited to help you.

Associate Deans (Studies)

Associate Deans are University faculty and professionals who serve as administrators for the Undergraduate Degree programs within Arts and Science. Associate Deans have in-depth knowledge of University policies and procedures and the undergraduate curriculum and provide general advice regarding all academic programs. They assist students in resolving more difficult problems and emergencies that impact academic performance. In particular, Associate Deans (Studies) do the following:

  • Approve overloads (registrations of more than 5 courses (more than 3 for Part-time students))
  • Adjudicate appeals for Credit or Aegrotat Credit standing
  • Adjudicate late course add and drop appeals
  • Issue Requirements to Withdraw and Academic Probation

Academic Counsellors

Faculty academic counsellors are professionals who have in-depth knowledge of University policies and procedures and the undergraduate curriculum. Faculty academic counsellors provide general advice regarding subjects of specialization, special field concentrations, majors, medial and minors. In particular, faculty academic counsellors are responsible for the following:

  • current and long-term academic planning for all degree programs (within Arts & Science)
  • assessing and outlining options with respect to various academics (academic planning, appeals, outcomes) for students
  • providing information and explaining policies, academic regulations and procedures for registration, letters of permission, academic appeals, and degree information to students, parents, staff and faculty
  • directing students seeking exceptions to academic regulations by explaining the procedures for appealing to the Associate Deans (Studies) and the Board of Studies, and by providing information about deadlines and supporting documentation

Student Resource (SRA) Assistants

Student Resource Assistants are the first people you meet when you walk in, or call, the Faculty Office. They are responsible for providing accurate information to students about the Faculty’s academic regulations, policies and practices, and supporting the administration of the Faculty’s academic appeal process, letters of permission and registration processes.

PASS Peer Advisors

PASS Advisors are volunteer upper-year students from a range of programs, plans and disciplines in the Faculty of Arts and Science who offer non-judgemental and confidential academic advising for first year Arts and Science students. No appointment is necessary for this walk-in service! Students may also e-mail their questions to passhelp@queensu.ca and a Peer Advisor will reply promptly.

PASS Advisors are able to address and discuss concerns on any of the following topics:

  • whether to add/drop a courses
  • how to use the course calendar
  • how to navigate SOLUS
  • exams (how to prepare and time manage)
  • grades (how to interpret results and assess progress)
  • changing degree programs
  • choosing courses and plans
  • Spring & Summer studies and Continuing and Distance Studies (how to register, what is available)
  • upper year registration process

Outside the Faculty Office

Departmental Advisors (DA) and Chairs of Undergraduate Studies (DCUS)

Departmental Advisor and Chairs of Undergraduate Studies are University faculty who provide general advice about University policies and procedures and the undergraduate curriculum specific to their degree programs. DA and DCUS Advisors have expertise in their own academic disciplines and assist students with specific questions about major courses, opportunities, and career directions. In particular, DCUS advisors are responsible for the following:

  • program and plan selection, registration planning and waiving prerequisite or enrolment limits when appropriate
  • term-by-term and long term plans
  • course adds and drops for appeal purposes