New MSW students will meet their assigned academic advisor typically prior to the school’s orientation, which is held before the start of the fall semester. In many instances, academic advisor follows the student throughout the MSW Program. The role of the academic advisor is to work with their advisees to clarify educational options, to answer questions about the MSW Program, and to identify career opportunities.
Advisors are to be the first point of contact for any or all of the following:
- Registration (including add/drop, leaves of absence, and withdrawals);
- Change of concentration and selection of specialization or certificate programs;
- Clarification of all academic policies and procedures (i.e., advanced standing and exemption, graduation requirements, grading policies, directed study);
- Discussions regarding academic expectations and performance;
- Information about other departments and/or programs within both the School of Social Work and the University of Pittsburgh;
- Planning the educational program in accordance with career interests.
In addition, the advisor may serve as the liaison to the student’s practicum placement, particularly during the concentration practicum experience. Grades for practicum work are submitted by the practicum liaison (in consultation with the agency-based practicum instructor).