Each degree student is assigned an academic advisor.  The advisor examines the student’s academic program and approves course selection each semester.  Each student must meet with his/her advisor prior to each semester.  Advisors approve course selection prior to registration.

All regular members of the academic faculty and teaching staff of the College advise credit and degree students. Cleveland students may request a particular advisor at the time of admission into the program. If they do not, the Provost assigns a faculty advisor.

The Responsibilities of the Advisor are to

•    Initiate and maintain contact with the student through the life of the program, meeting at least once each semester

•    Advise student on course selection

•    Advise student on the selection of a Bachelor senior project, Master’s essay or Master’s thesis topic

•    Review student’s progress towards completion of the program at least once each semester

•    Maintain and provide written reports to the Provost related to advisement as needed

The Responsibilities of the Student are to

•    Meet with the advisor before the start of each semester to review progress toward completion of the requirements for the program and degree

•    Meet with the advisor before the start of each semester to gain written approval for the course of study for the coming semester

•    Keep the advisor informed about significant issues related to the student’s program

Upon matriculation, the student makes an appointment with his/her advisor. At this initial meeting, the advisor becomes familiar with the student's background, discusses the student's long term and short term goals, decides with the student how these goals will be reached and over what anticipated period of time, begins developing the student's plan of studies using the "Study Plan" form, and conveys his/her availability to the student for any discussion relating to the student's career at the College.
Following the initial advisement session, the advisor has regular contact with his or her advisees according to the following annual timetable: during the month prior to each semester to initiate contact in order to discuss his/her Study Plan; to determine course selection for the coming semester; to review other issues relevant to the student.

At the conclusion of the academic year, the advisor meets with the student to review his/her accomplishments during that year and assesses the student's overall progress. During these meetings the advisor also considers more general issues with the student, including those that arise within a given course and which the student may not wish to discuss with the instructor. In this way the advisor can be a sounding board and a facilitator. The advisor may find it important to discuss a matter with one or another of the student's instructors.

For Master of Arts in Judaic Studies candidates, the advisor helps the student begin to consider elements of the Master’s essay or thesis after the student has completed approximately two-thirds of the requirements toward the degree. Together, they consider the process of writing the paper, explore the student's particular interests and discuss the selection of a paper or thesis advisor (who may or may not be the student's academic advisor).