The department holds orientation meetings each January and August to advise newly admitted and continuing students. Members of the faculty are present to answer questions and offer advice concerning programs of study. Detailed information is available on the department home page.

The department also provides an advising function to students, as outlined in the Student Advising Form available from the department. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor to confer with on matters related to degree requirements. A plan of study form (pre-Fall 2009 version) for the MS degree should be completed and submitted by the student soon after admission to the program. This serves as a planning guide for the student.