At Trinity College of Arts & Sciences, academic advising is both a collaborative relationship and a developmental process. Advising helps students make thoughtful, informed choices while pursuing their academic goals and is an integral part of Trinity’s undergraduate experience. Through advising, students gather information, reflect on options, and make decisions aligned with their values and goals.

*Students in the Pratt School of Engineering can read more about Pratt's advising network HERE.

how Advising Works in Trinity College

The Academic Advising Center - Quad Advising

When students arrive at Duke, they are assigned a Quad Advisor through the Academic Advising Center. Quad Advisors are full-time professional advisors who work closely with students through the first year and into the sophomore year, supporting them until they declare a major. Students are required to meet with the Quad Advisor at least once a semester.

Each Quad Advisor is affiliated with a residential Quad community, providing consistent guidance that connects academic decision-making with students’ broader Duke experience.

Quad Advisors support students in:

  • Course selection and registration
  • Understanding curriculum and degree requirements
  • Navigating academic policies such as S/U grading and course withdrawals
  • Exploring majors and academic pathways
  • Reflecting on goals, strengths, and interests
Transition to Major Advising

Major declaration begins after the first year, typically in the spring of the sophomore year. Once students declare a major, they transition to working with a faculty advisor in their chosen academic department. Major advisors provide discipline-specific guidance related to upper-level coursework, research opportunities, and professional preparation.

The transition from Quad Advisor to Major Advisor is intentional and collaborative. Quad Advisors support students in preparing for this transition so they enter their department(s) with clarity and purpose.

A Network of Support

Advising at Trinity College of Arts & Sciences operates as a network of support. Quad Advisors collaborate with faculty, pre-professional advisors, deans, career specialists, learning consultants, and other campus partners to connect students with the full range of resources available at Duke.

Through this integrated approach, Trinity advising helps students link academic decisions to a clearer sense of purpose and develop the reflective, self-directed habits that support lifelong learning.

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QUAD advisors

All incoming students are assigned a Quad Advisor once they arrive on campus. These advisors offer broad academic advising, help with course selection, and serve as a general resource.

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Major Advising

When you declare your major, you will be assigned a faculty or departmental advisor to guide you. You can also reach out to the department’s Director of Undergraduate Studies with questions before you declare.

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pre-professional advising

Specialized advising for students considering graduate education. Pre-professional advisors counsel students, assist them in applying to programs, and provide information on career opportunities and the requirements for advanced study.

LEARN MORE ABOUT:
 Pre-business Advising, Pregraduate Advising, Prehealth Advising, OR Pre-Law Advising 

Advising Network and Campus Partners

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Academic deans

Academic Deans provide clarity and accountability on Trinity's academic policies, including continuation requirements and consequential grades.

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Study away advising

With group info sessions, drop-in advising, and individual advising sessions, the Global Education Office advisors help you navigate and prepare for your study away program.

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the career center

Explore the intersection of your education, values, skills, experiences, and career aspirations. Career counseling by appointment and on a drop-in basis.

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Learning Consultants

Through one-on-one consultations, Learning Consultants at the Academic Resource Center support students in developing effective learning strategies and time management skills.

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residence hall librarians

Each East Campus dorm is matched with a subject librarian who works with students throughout their first year providing research support and library resources.

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writing studio consultants

Part of the Thompson Writing Program, the Writing Studio provides 1-on-1 support and guidance in improving all aspects of the writing process.