Advising
Occidental students have two sources of general information and counsel about the curriculum: the Advising Center, which works closely with students during their first two years at Oxy, and a faculty advisor, assigned to each new student when they first arrive on campus.
Faculty advisors act as an individual resource until the student declares a major (by the middle of the second semester of their sophomore year) and obtains a departmental advisor. Although its focus is on first- and second-year students, the Advising Center is available to all students on a five-day-per-week, year-round basis.
The Advising Center helps students keep track of their Core requirements, offers general information about registration and concrete information about majors, minors, and College policies and procedures. The Advising Center also helps students connect with faculty members by making appointments and by identifying the appropriate faculty for specific questions.
Faculty advisors help students understand their intended major and may also help them identify the appropriate campus resources for further help. As student interests change, faculty contacts can be changed by the student at any time. Students are encouraged and expected to seek faculty counsel regularly
Other advising opportunities:
National Awards – Fellowships and Scholarships: First year students are encouraged to meet with the Director of National Awards and Fellowships for an individualized advising session to explore opportunities available to them early in their academic career.
The Office of Pre-Health Advising at Occidental College provides information and in-depth advisement to students and alumni who are interested in matriculating to professional graduate programs in health sciences.