First Year Advising
How does advising work?
First year students with a primary or secondary major in the College of Natural Sciences are assigned a First Year Advisor (FYA). FYAs do more than just recommend classes. We build relationships that will support your success from your first day of classes until your last final exam! At the end of your first year, we help you transition to your major advisor who will work with you through graduation.
Transfer students and students in our A.S. degrees are advised by their major department right away.
Contact CNS First Year Advising
Lederle Graduate Research Tower (LGRT) Room 122
cnsfirstyearadvising [at] umass [dot] edu (cnsfirstyearadvising[at]umass[dot]edu)
FAQs
Who is my First Year Advisor (FYA)?
Our FYAs each advise a cluster of majors as well as Exploratory Track students. You'll be assigned to a FYA based on your primary major - and your assigned FYA may change if your major changes. To view your assigned advisor, log in to Navigate. Your advisor will be listed under Your Success Team on the righthand side.
How can I make an advising appointment?
Schedule an in person or virtual appointment through Navigate.
- Click the blue "Make an Appointment" button.
- Under what type of appointment would you like to schedule? select Advising.
- Choose the reason for the appointment. When in doubt, choose Academic Advising.
- Select a date then click "Find Available Time" to see your assigned advisor's calendar.
I'd like to explore a CNS major. Can you help me?
Any undergraduate student who wants to declare, change, or add a CNS Major should complete the CNS Change of Major Form. This includes:
- CNS students changing from one CNS major to another
- Students from other schools/colleges who want to switch into a CNS major
- Any student who wants to add a secondary major in CNS
This form should not be used to declare a minor.
We will review your request and get back to you with next steps, which may include scheduling an advising appointment.
CNS First Year Advising Directory
Tonya Blundon
Tonya Blundon is the Director of CNS First Year Advising.
Aly Kosteva
Aly Kosteva is a first year advisor in CNS First Year Advising.
Anna Ostow
Anna Ostow is a first year advisor in CNS First Year Advising.
Brian Strauss
Brian Strauss is a first year advisor in CNS First Year Advising.
Madeline Wood
Madeline (Maddie) Wood is a first year advisor in CNS First Year Advising.
Maia Valcarce
Maia Valcarce is a first year advisor in CNS First Year Advising.
Emily Rodgers
Emily Rodgers is an Office Manager for CNS First Year Advising.