Office of Advising & Academic Advocacy
Academic advising and advocacy go hand in hand. Advising is a dynamic relationship between student and advisor, supporting the student towards their educational, career, and personal success. Advisors can provide guidance on policies, curriculum, and campus resources. Academic advocacy walks a step further with our students to help them resolve challenges that impact their success and persistence at Washington College.
The advising program at Washington College supports the college's dedication to the liberal arts, student success, and retention. We emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion through supporting advising which includes and supports all students, ensures respect, and encourages students' development as individuals.
Washington College advisors work with students beyond just registering for classes but considering their future growth and careers, ensuring students are connected to resources on campus, and involved with our extensive campus community. Throughout their time at Washington College, and with the support and guidance of advisors, students will define current and future success for themselves, and establish responsibility and self-efficacy.
Advising at Washington College is a partnership between advisors and students, each party owning part of that relationship. Advisors aid students in building connections as well as expanding their determination, curiosity, and self-discovery. Students will grow in their civility, leadership, and moral courage through engaging in the advising relationship.
Advising is one facet of the liberal arts education at Washington College to challenge and inspires emerging citizen leaders to discover lives of purpose and passion.
A liberal arts education allows students to shape a program of study that will broaden and deepen their intellectual development, become responsible citizen leaders, and make purposeful choices.
At the heart of liberal arts education is deeply engaged teaching and learning centered on individuals. The faculty and staff of Washington College form close personal relationships with students, and help each student grow and achieve personal, social and civic maturity and agency
Student participation is crucial to the success of a liberal arts education. That is why students are expected to design—with the help and guidance of faculty advisors—an academic program best suited to their individual interests and talents. To help in charting the course, Washington College has established a set of guidelines concerning its General Education and Distribution Requirements, which are designed to ensure a broad intellectual foundation in the arts and sciences.
Our Academic Requirements include:
- The Writing Program, including our First Year Seminar
- World Language (1-2 courses based on starting level)
- Distribution across the 3 Divisions
- Natural Science and Quantitative Skills (3 courses)
- Humanities and Fine Arts (3 courses/ 12 credits)
- Social Science (3 courses)
- Major Requirements
- Minimum 8-semester courses (32 credits) in major department
- Additional specified courses in the department or related fields
- Senior Capstone Experience