For some first-years, such as Nandini Mukhopadhyay '03, most proctors' youth and recent college memories give them a "closer perspective" than an older non-resident adviser might provide, but other factors give those students with non-resident advisers the advantage.

"The fact is I've never discussed personal issues [with my proctor], because I'm afraid it would get me in trouble, even though he's a great guy," Mukhopadhyay says. "Social life involves alcohol, which could potentially get you in trouble. Since [your proctor is] also your academic adviser, you don't want to influence their opinion of you."

"People with non-resident advisers have an advantage, as long as it's someone they feel like they can talk to," she adds.

But others say their proctors are enough for their academic needs. For them, having a residential adviser allows them to just drop by.

By contrast, most students meet with their non-resident advisers only occasionally, some as few as twice a semester.

Melissa A. Tanner '03 says having a non-resident adviser is "superfluous."

"It's kind of a hassle to set up appointments and make meetings," she says.

Many Students, One Proctor