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.

Incoming students are assigned an academic advisor when they first arrive on campus. Advisors help shape a coherent, self‑designed academic path, offering guidance on course planning, resource area requirements, and long‑term educational or career goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with their advisors regularly. The freedom of students to plan individual programs carries with it the responsibility to develop coherent courses of study. Advising is collaborative, flexible, and serves as both professional mentorship and guidance for academic and personal growth. As interests develop, students are encouraged to build connections with multiple faculty and staff who can support their intellectual direction.

Students who earn a grade in the D range (D+, D, or D−), an F, or NC (No Credit in a course taken on a Credit/No Credit basis) during a term, or who accumulate multiple extensions, will be placed on academic probation. Students on academic probation will be required to meet with either the Academic Probation Officer or Provost within the first three weeks of the following term to review their academic standing and develop a plan for success. To return to good academic standing, students must earn grades of C− or higher in their coursework. A full description of the academic probation policy is available in the College of the Atlantic Academic Handbook. While academic probation is a serious matter, the process is intended to be supportive and developmental, helping students identify strategies and resources that promote academic success.

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