Skip to main content

College of Arts and Science Pre-major Academic Advising Resource Center

College of Arts and Science Pre-major Academic Advising Resource Center
  2. About
  3. CASPAR Policies

CASPAR Policies

Confidentiality: The members of the CASPAR office maintain the strictest confidentiality regarding student academic records and adhere to the guidelines of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Cooperation: Advisers and the students whom they advise share responsibilities for making sure that students develop and follow a course of study that honors their abilities and interests and that will help them meet their goals. Advisers do not make decisions for students and will not tell them what to do. Advisers do, however, offer informed advice about academic decisions, big and small; provide relevant information as needed regarding university policies and procedures; and support students in the decisions they make.

Student Responsibilities

We expect you to do the following:

  • Arrive on time for your advising appointments.
  • Prepare for your appointments by consulting:
  • Initiate conversations with us when you have academic questions or concerns.
  • Participate actively in those conversations.
  • Set academic and career goals and reassess them as you move through your undergraduate course of study.
  • Be open about your particular circumstances so that your adviser can provide specific guidance.
Adviser Responsibilities

We will do our best to help you do the following:

  • Select appropriate courses and develop a workable schedule.
  • Review course placement at Vanderbilt in light of your prior academic record and placement scores.
  • Formulate an academic plan with respect to your interests, demonstrated strengths, and long-term goals.
  • Locate and understand the core curriculum requirements (AXLE for students entering before Fall 2025; College Core for students entering Fall 2025 and later).
  • Interpret institutional policies and procedures.
  • Identify campus resources and use them effectively.
  • Nurture an active curiosity about the intellectual possibilities afforded by a research institution.
  • Understand the structure of the university and its intellectual functions.