Types of Advisors

Who they are: Professional staff assigned to all first-year freshman and first-year transfer students, through the Centers for Learning, Advising and Student Success.

What they do:

• Serve as a consistent point of contact during your first year and into your second year for some colleges.
• Guide course registration, academic planning, and major exploration.
• Help you understand degree requirements and university policies.
• Connect you with campus resources to support your academic and personal success.

Professional Academic Advisors focus on building a supportive relationship. They help you navigate your transition to UML, answer questions as they arise, and have ongoing conversations about your goals, challenges, and next steps. To find your professional advisor, login to your MyUML Dashboard.

Who they are: Every undergraduate student is assigned a Faculty Advisor, a professor within your major who brings expertise in your field of study.

What they do:

• Provide major-specific academic guidance and long-term degree planning.
• Help with course sequencing and understanding departmental requirements.
• Offer mentorship in your discipline, including research opportunities, internships, and graduate school planning.

Faculty Advisors serve as academic and professional mentors, helping you deepen your knowledge of your field and think ahead to future opportunities beyond graduation. To find your faculty advisor, login to your MyUML Dashboard.

Who they are: Peer Advisors are trained students who help fellow students navigate UMass Lowell systems and resources. 

What they do:

• Assist with tools like SiS, Schedule Builder, advisement reports, and class searches.
• Help you understand registration processes and key deadlines.
• Provide academic coaching and share strategies for student success.
• Connect you with campus offices and support resources.

Peer Advisors provide approachable, student-to-student support. They are especially helpful when you have quick questions or need guidance navigating university systems. To connect with a Peer Advisor, visit our Searchable Peer Advising Schedule. 

Who they are: Professional staff in the Career & Co-op Center are assigned by college and specialize in the career paths connected to your major.

What they do:

• Support career exploration and help connect your major to potential career paths.
• Provide resume, cover letter, and interview preparation guidance.
• Assist with internship, co-op, and job searches.
• Offer guidance on graduate school planning and long-term career strategy.

Career Advisors partner with you to turn your academic experience into career opportunities, helping you build skills, gain experience, and prepare for life after graduation. To schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor, visit the Career & Co-op Center Meet the Team page. 

Who they are: Honors College staff members are assigned by college and major and serve as an advising contact for all Honors students.

What they do:

• Advise on Honors requirements, curriculum planning, and honors projects or theses.
• Connect you with Honors-specific opportunities, including research, experiential learning, study abroad, and scholarships.
• Support your broader Honors pathway and engagement in the Honors College community.

To locate your Honors College Specialist, visit the Honors College Team Page.

Who they are: RHSA Success Coaches support first-generation students as they transition to college.

What they do:

• Provide one-on-one success coaching focused on your individual goals and challenges.
• Strengthening study habits, motivation, time management, and academic skills.
• Support academic planning, goal setting, and course adjustments.

To contact an RHSA Success Coach, visit the River Hawk Scholars Academy Success Coach page. 

Who they are: The Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) is a campus hub that supports underrepresented students, staff, and faculty while leading diversity initiatives across the university.

What they do:

• Provide individualized support, advocacy, and coaching across personal, academic, and professional needs.
• Facilitate cultural education, dialogue, leadership development, and community-building opportunities.
• Connect students with multicultural resources, peer support, and campus partners.

Visit the Office of Multicultural Affairs to connect with the OMA team.