Faculty Advisors play a vital role in guiding each student on their unique journey through the undergraduate program in The Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture. The school is committed to developing a supportive environment in which each student feels empowered to thrive academically and achieve their intellectual, creative, and professional aspirations.

Identified from the faculty and assigned by the deans, Faculty Advisors provide mentorship, encouragement, guidance, and support as each student navigates the complexities of their academic pursuits. Advisors strive to broaden student perspectives, advance critical thinking, and unlock new learning possibilities.

Each student will be assigned a Faculty Advisor upon entering the school. At the beginning of their third year of study, students may request a change in their advisor in consultation with the deans. Transfer students with advanced standing may make such a request at the beginning of their second year of study at the School. This dynamic framework helps students cultivate a rich network of academic and professional connections and backgrounds as they develop strong and supportive advising relationships to enhance their learning in the School of Architecture.  

THE ROLE OF THE FACULTY ADVISOR
Faculty Advisors play a pivotal role in guiding and supporting architecture students on their academic and professional paths. They serve as academic mentors, offering encouragement, support, and guidance throughout the student's academic journey. Faculty Advisors create a safe, respectful, and supportive environment in which students are encouraged to discuss their concerns, seek advice, and explore their full potential in the School of Architecture. 

1.   Academic Guidance & Mentorship: 
     •    Faculty Advisors work closely with each student to develop their individual academic
           goals. This may include exploring elective options and identifying research opportunities.
     •    Faculty Advisors may provide mentorship on design thinking through feedback on student
           work. 
     •    Faculty Advisors may provide insights into the diverse career paths available within the
           field of architecture, including design, research, teaching, curatorial opportunities,
           urban planning, etc.

2.  Professional Development & Career Support: 
     •    Faculty Advisors may facilitate professional connections by introducing students to  
           architecture professionals, alumni, and potential employers. 
     •    Faculty Advisors may provide constructive feedback on student portfolios and resumes.

3.  Creative Exploration & Skill Enhancement: 
     •    Faculty Advisors may provide guidance and feedback on key methods of representation, 
           including drawing, model-making, and other relevant visual techniques. 
     •    Faculty Advisors may support a student’s involvement in research projects, design 
           competitions, and other creative endeavors.

4.  Supportive Advancement: 
     •    Faculty Advisors help students develop time management skills on how to prioritize tasks
           and navigate the rigorous demands of the architecture curriculum. 
     •    Faculty Advisors may provide academic support and guidance to students who might be 
           experiencing academic difficulties, such as those who receive performance letters of 
           concern and/or are on academic probation.  

FACULTY ADVISORS AND HOW TO REACH THEM
A strong Advisor-Student relationship thrives on open communication. We encourage students to reach out to their Faculty Advisor at any time, especially at the beginning and the conclusion of each academic semester.

Please note the following office and e-mail contact information:

     •    Hayley Eber, Room 301A  
     •    Mersiha Veledar, Room 332 
     •    Diana Agrest, Room 336F 
     •    Nader Tehrani, Room 334F  
     •    Nora Akawi, Room 335F 
     •    Michael Young, Room 208, 41CS 
     •    Ben Aranda, Room 333F 
     •    James Lowder, Room 208, 41CS 
     •    Guido Zuliani, Room 233F 
     •    Mauricio Higuera, Room 337 
     •    Elizabeth O’Donnell, Room 338 
     •    Julian Palacio, Room 338 
 
ADDITIONAL STUDENT RESOURCES
While faculty advisors provide invaluable support within their defined roles, it is important to note that certain academic and administrative matters should be referred to the following resources within the School of Architecture and The Cooper Union:

     •    Academic Requirements:  
           o    All curricular credit course requirements for successful graduation for students are 
                 approved and implemented by Monica Shapiro, Academic Administrator of The
                 Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture of The Cooper Union.

     •    Student Health & Well-Being:  
           o    Health challenges and concerns such as sexual harassment should be 
                 communicated confidentially to Alex Fischer, Assistant Dean of Students, and 
                 Grace Kendall, Acting Dean of Students and Title IX Coordinator. 

     •    Academic Performance:  
           o    Shervin Jamali, Administrative Assistant, will notify Faculty Advisors if a student 
                 receives a course letter of concern or if the student is required to meet with the
                 Academic Standards Committee at the semester's conclusion. 

     •    Career & Professional Development:  
           o    Additional resources on Membership and Career Opportunities can be found here. 

     •    Research & Fellowship Opportunities:  
           o    Additional resources on Student Research and Fellowship opportunities can be
                 found here. 

     •    Writing Resources:  
           o    Additional resources on how to advance writing skills can be found at The Center of
                 Writing and Learning here.