Advising

Faculty advisors help students translate their academic interests into an appropriate course of study and support their professional development. Faculty advisors are prepared to provide the most current information not only about course offerings, but also about research and other co-curricular opportunities. They are also able to help students explore and connect their career interests to the curriculum and to industry. Faculty can facilitate networking with other faculty, staff, and alumni. Developing a professional relationship with a faculty advisor will be valuable with regards to your development, networking, career tips, job references, letters of recommendation, internships, graduate school applications, and more.

In general, students can expect their faculty advisor to:

• Support professional development throughout their Cornell career.
• Meet to discuss course selections that support academic and career interests.
• Discuss Nolan School concentrations, possible minors, or specialized academic opportunities related to interests or goals.
• Give guidance or make referrals if special issues or problems arise related to academics.
• Invest in the advising relationship so that that they may be able to serve as reference.

Academic Advisors in the Nolan School of Hotel Administration are experts in the Nolan undergraduate curricula, and provide academic guidance to undergraduate students from New Student Orientation up until graduation. Advisors help undergraduate students to understand the meaning of higher education, the curricular and co-curricular opportunities available at Cornell University, the learning outcomes and requirements of their academic program of study, and how to interpret their progress toward their degree. Academic Advisors work with undergraduate students to teach and empower them to become self regulated learners who think critically about their experience, appropriately seek support and utilize resources, and take responsibility for their educational experience. 

In general, students can expect their academic advisor to:

• • Meet to discuss course selections that support academic and career interests 
  • Offer advice regarding progress toward degree requirements 
  • Help design imaginative and solid curricula that satisfy appropriate Nolan School degree requirements 
  •  Be knowledgeable about the policies and processes for practice credit, transfer credit, petitions, and curricular substitutions and about the school’s many special academic options including Nolan School concentrations and minors.
  • Provide a respectful and confidential space to ask questions and discuss interests and concerns
  • Make referrals to university resources for academic support and overall health and wellbeing  
  • Offer advice and guidance on studying abroad and pursuing university minors 
  • Support students with disabilities 
  • Be knowledgeable about voluntary, required, and health leaves of absence  
  • Coordinate the Early Intervention program and support students having academic difficulties  
  • Providing case management for students who are in need of academic consideration, are of concern, and/or are in distress (support students during difficult or vulnerable times—when confused, overwhelmed, or troubled by academic or personal matters) 

The Career Management team takes a developmental approach toward career management for all Hotel School students (UG, MMH, Baker Program in RE). Students can meet with a career coach to define their career goals and learn how to successfully pursue those goals. In addition, students are encouraged to attend the career-focused workshops, employer events and other special programs offered throughout the year.  

In general, students can expect Career Coaches to:

• Help refine interests, values, skills, and career goals.
• Assist in understanding relationships between the curriculum and careers.
• Provide support in developing career goals and objectives; find industry-specific advice, information, and opportunities.
• Teach skills about how to conduct professional networking and strengthen resume and cover-letter writing, interviewing, and job-search skills.
• Educate about how to reach out to alumni and industry mentors.

Faculty and staff expect students to:

• Take initiative and be responsible for their academic progress and career development.
• Plan ahead. Schedule appointments in advance and reschedule or cancel if they are unable to keep their appointments. Do not expect to get a “same day” appointment outside of published “Drop-In Advising” times each semester.
• Reflect on their goals and interests.
• Review their degree audit regularly.
• Prepare a list of prioritized questions or topics to ask/discuss.
• Conduct some background research so they are familiar with what information is already available.

Day of an appointment, we expect students to:

• Arrive on time and log out/hang up their device or laptop. Be present and attentive during their meeting.
• Take initiative, ask questions, and make an effort to share openly. Advisors and staff can provide the most helpful support and guidance and if they know what is on students’ minds, know all the facts, and understand how students think they can be most useful.

After your appointment, we expect students to:

• Follow through on advice, referrals, and actions that were discussed with an advisor or staff member.
• Remember that every student situation is different and the result of an appointment may be unique; do not share information with others for whom the information may not apply.
• Take responsibility for their academic progress and career development. Check back with the advisor or staff member with whom they met and/or schedule a follow-up appointment.

Many students are unfamiliar with the term “registrar.” Broadly speaking, a registrar is an official keeper of records. At Cornell, the Nolan School Registrar’s Office is responsible for supporting class enrollment, managing the accurate recording of grades, maintaining the integrity of student records, and ensuring that Nolan School students have the necessary qualifications to receive their degree from Cornell University. Cornell also has a university registrar located in Day Hall. Students may occasionally need to contact the Office of the University Registrar for certain requests noted below.

Here are some reasons students might interact with the Nolan School Registrar’s Office or the Office of the University Registrar.

Contact the Nolan School of Hotel Administration Registrar’s Office to:

• Ask questions about your degree audit (review degree audit in advance).
• Submit manual add/drop enrollment forms for courses that are “locked down,” by permission only or exceed capacity.
• Send documentation related to transfer credit.
• Confirm that advanced placement scores have been received by Cornell and how to get them posted in Student Center.
• Request special verification letters for scholarships, insurance, or other outside agencies.
• Submit a petition. A petition is the official way to request exceptions to stated academic policy and degree requirements.

Contact the Office of the University Registrar to:

• Request a copy of an official transcript for an employer, graduate school, or other organization.
• Obtain standard enrollment certifications.
• Replace a lost or damaged student ID card.

What is the difference between Nolan Academic Advisors and the Nolan School Registrar’s office?

The Nolan School academic advisors are available to assist students in selecting courses based on individual interests, preparation, and academic or career goals. The staff help students make decisions about course selection, enrollment, curriculum planning, and how to maximize their time in the Nolan School and at Cornell. 

The Nolan School Registrar’s Office maintains paperwork and documentation related to academic records and enrollment/registration status. The office helps students who have difficulty with the course enrollment process or questions related to their academic record in Student Center, Nolan School degree audit, or about Nolan School policies and procedures. Student Center is used to check one’s enrollment appointment, enroll in classes, view grades, and review financial accounts including financial aid. 

To schedule an appointment:

Academic Advising

Career Advising