Stephen H. Biel, director of undergraduate studies for the concentration, says that when tutors are hired, they are made aware that advising is a major part of their job. Those who disdain one-to-one interaction with students are generally discouraged from applying, he says.

Even though it already ranks high on the senior surveys, history and literature has increased its focus on academic advising. From discussing it in tutor meetings to emphasizing the many resources available, administrators let students know all the appropriate avenues for advising.

"We make it clear that we are available to the students, they take advantage of it," Biel says. "We have busy office hours. There is a student-Faculty committee that meets periodically--it's an opportunity for students to sit down with us to raise their concerns about the concentration."

The English department, after ranking very low in the 1997 senior survey--a 1.97 out of a possible 5--has been attempting to revamp its advising system as well. The 1999 survey shows the efforts have been successful. Last year, English scored a 3.38.

Why the change? The department appointed a senior Faculty member as the director of undergraduate studies--and assigned each concentrator a permanent Faculty adviser.

"I do not mean to claim that we have arrived at the utopian state, but I'm pleased by the improvements we've made, and I'm pleased that the change has been noticed," Marquand Professor of English and department chair Lawrence Buell told The Crimson in October.

Nothing Ever Changes...

According to College administrators, other departments seem to resist change.