Precepting
Most colleges and universities offer some form of academic advising, either by faculty advisors or professional staff. ֲý has from the outset chosen to call this practice “precepting,” a word usually associated with a mentor or practitioner who provides oversight and training to develop new skills and knowledge. The difference is more than linguistic – it was a conscious decision intended to signal both the importance of this function at the institution and the goals of providing a resource tailored to each individual student’s career path and experience as a student.
A typical academic advisor reviews a student’s degree and outlines the next steps necessary, including which courses to take, to complete their degree requirements based on their proximity to graduation. Preceptors, though, are immersed in the student’s field of study, especially since the faculty member assigned to that student is an individual who teaches, or is well-versed in, that field. One advantage of being advised by a practitioner in the field is that they can guide students toward adjacent courses outside of their major to ensure that their education is well-rounded. Precepting is considered a form of teaching at ֲý. It is a central practice at the University, ensuring professional development and providing networking opportunities for both students and professors. The University dedicates two full days each mid-semester with no classes so that students can make appointments with their faculty preceptors.
