Advising & Support

The Academic Affairs Committee (AAC) oversees College of the Atlantic’s academic program. Its work includes approving new courses and faculty appointments, shaping academic policies, and advising the deans and president on academic priorities. Community members—including students, faculty, and staff—are welcome to participate as members or observers. If you’re interested in joining, you’re encouraged to attend a meeting and consult with the committee chair. Questions about the AAC can be directed to Krystal Meservey, the committee chair.

From your first term at COA, you’ll work closely with an academic advisor to design a coherent, self-directed program of study. Advisors support you with course selection, long-term academic planning, career exploration, and navigating academic challenges. As your interests evolve, you may change advisors to better align with your goals. You can find your current advisor listed in the student portal under “My Grades,” and requests to change advisors can be submitted through the online form. Regular meetings with your advisor are strongly encouraged to support academic success.

Students who receive low grades (D, F, or NC) or accumulate multiple extensions may be placed on academic probation. During probation, you’ll meet with the probation officer or provost within three weeks of the start of the next term to review your academic plan. To return to good standing, students must earn grades of C or higher. Level-four probation results in a one-year suspension. Academic contracts and individualized support plans are used to help students regain momentum and stay on track.

The senior project is a three-credit, independent capstone that brings together your academic experience at COA. Students have one academic year to complete the project, with extensions available when needed. Proposals must clearly outline the project’s purpose, methodology, timeline, and evaluation criteria, and demonstrate a commitment of 450 academically engaged hours. Each project requires a faculty member or qualified expert to serve as project director, along with a signed cover sheet. Students may also request dedicated project space as part of their planning process.

A residency is a three-credit, term-long learning experience designed by the student in an area not typically offered through COA’s regular curriculum. To apply, students must have completed at least 18 COA credits and be in good academic standing. Residency applications are submitted to the Review and Appeals Committee by the registration deadline for the intended term.

Internships and expeditionary learning opportunities allow students to gain hands-on experience beyond the classroom. Students may pursue internships or apply for expeditionary funds—up to $1,800—to support credit-bearing activities such as off-campus courses, residencies, senior projects, and related learning experiences.

Early planning with the internship director is strongly encouraged. Expeditionary funding applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with funds disbursed once per term. Additional details and resources are available through Internships & Career Development.

Access essential documents and deadlines for 2025–26:

• Advising information packet & worksheet
• Change of advisor
• Community service
• Expeditionary fund request
• Student travel information & emergency contacts
• Group study proposal
• Independent study proposal
• Internship proposal
• Residency proposal & guidelines
• Request a teaching assistant
• Senior project proposal, guidelines, & study away