What kinds of questions can I ask my academic advisor?
Your advisor's primary role is to guide you through the English major.
Questions about course selection, degree requirements, and the
curriculum in general are all appropriate. Your advisor can probably
also help you with the application process for graduate school in
English and related fields.
How do I know if I am on track for graduation?
Every semester you should consult your Academic Progress Report in
UDSIS. This is the best way to keep track of the requirements you need
to fulfill. You should check this before you schedule an appointment
with your advisor.
How do I know the requirements for the English major and minor?
You can find curricular checksheets within the Programs - English Major (there is a checksheet for each concentration) and Programs - English Education Major sections of this website. You should fill out the appropriate checksheet before you schedule an appointment with your advisor. Requirements of the minors are available at Programs - Minors.
I am confused about the new curriculum for the English major and minor; do I need to follow the new or the old requirements?
If you entered the University of Delaware after August 1, 2007, you MUST follow the new curriculum. If you entered UD before August 1, 2007 you may choose to follow the new curriculum or the old one; if you are uncertain which curriculum is best for you, you should speak to your advisor.
Can my academic advisor offer me career counseling?
While your advisor may be able to offer general advice, you are probably best served by visiting UD's Career Services Center.
Should I contact my advisor if I am having personal problems that are interfering with my coursework?
If you are having personal difficulties that require professional counseling, you should turn to the Center for Counseling and Student Development. If there is a crisis (such as a prolonged illness or a death in the family) that will require you to miss classes, you need to contact the College of Arts & Sciences Advisement Center in 219 Mitchell Hall or 831-3020.
How do I find out the name of my academic advisor?
You can find your academic advisor in UDSIS. If your advisor is not listed, contact Prof. Peter Feng, Associate Chair, at feng@udel.edu or 831-1970.
How do I find my academic advisor's contact information?
Once you know the name of your advisor, you can find his or her contact
information within the People - Faculty section of this website.
I contacted my academic advisor, but s/he never got back to me. What should I do?
If you contacted your advisor by phone, you should try again on email;
most University business these days is conducted electronically, and thus faculty check their voicemail infrequently. If you sent your advisor an email, you should expect an answer in 2-3 days. If you do not receive a reply, you should send another email. If you still do not receive a response after that, contact Prof. Peter Feng, Associate Chair, at feng@udel.edu.
My academic advisor is on leave, whom should I contact?
During this period, you can address your inquiries to Prof. Peter Feng, Associate Chair, at feng@udel.edu.
Can I change my advisor?
Yes. If you wish to change your advisor, contact Prof. Peter Feng, Associate Chair, at feng@udel.edu. If you find yourself
regularly seeking advice from a faculty member who is not your assigned advisor, you should request that person as your official advisor.
Will my advisor write me letters of recommendation or serve as a reference?
Not automatically. Faculty members can only recommend students that they truly know and whose capabilities they can assess. Recommenders are usually asked to comment on a person's writing, speaking, and analytical abilities as well as matters of character (maturity, responsibility, organization, trustworthiness, etc.). If your advisor knows you well enough to comment on these qualities, then s/he may agree to write you a letter of recommendation or serve as a reference for a job application. If they do not know you well, however, they will most likely decline.