Advising Center

Every student at the College is assigned to an official advisor who may be a professional academic advisor from the Advising Center, or a full-time professor within the student’s academic department.

You can find your major advisor’s name in two places:

1. The top of your Degree Progress Report (DPR), located in your myHeliotrope account.
2. On your “My Success Network” page in Starfish, listed as “Major Advisor”

Can’t find your advisor?  Email us at advising@purchase.edu and we will help you!

1. Review the academic requirements for your major*. Go to Academics, select your major, then click on “Requirements” from the right sidebar.  You might also find the 8 semester graduation plans helpful.  Note that they are advising tools and not a substitute for individual Degree Progress Report.
2. Log in to MyHeliotrope to review your Degree Progress Report to understand your remaining degree requirements.
3. Watch the short video that will teach you How to Use the Course Search.
4. Use the Course Search to prepare a list of open and available courses that satisfy your academic interests and degree requirements that you can review during your advising appointment.
5. Prepare a list of questions to ask during your advising appointment. You must communicate with an advisor in order to register for classes. They will give you a 6 digit Alternate PIN which you must enter in order to access registration (see below).

*Undeclared? No problem! See our Resources for Undeclared Students page for help. Note that we serve as your advisors here in the Advising Center until you declare, so bring us your questions!

For a step-by-step guide with screen shots, see our Using the Registration System page.

*You can do it in three easy steps.

1. Download the Declaration/Change of Major form from the Registrar’s Office site.
2. Reach out to the chairperson of your new academic department for approval and assignment of a new faculty advisor.
3. Return your completed Change of Major form to the Registrar’s Office in person or via email at registrar@purchase.edu.

If you wish to understand how changing your major impacts your graduation timeline, please make an appointment with us in the Advising Center.

*note that changing to a BFA or MusB degree or the BA in Creative Writing involve materials such as auditions or portfolios.  See the individual department pages for more information.

*You can do it in three easy steps.

1. Download the Minor Declaration form from the Registrar’s Office site.
2. Reach out to the chairperson of the department which offers the minor for approval and assignment of a minor advisor. (Note the interdisciplinary minors at the bottom of the page).
3. Return your completed Minor Declaration form to the the Registrar’s Office in person or via email at registrar@purchase.edu.
4. Students can declare a maximum of two minors at Purchase.

* Music and Visual Arts minors require auditions/portfolio submissions.  See Music Minor and Visual Arts Minor requirements.

The last day to withdraw from Spring 2025 full-term courses without academic penalty is Friday, April 4th.

You will receive a “W” grade on your transcript, which does not affect your GPA, but may impact your Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid.

 If you miss the deadline, then you will receive a “WF” on your transcript, which will negatively affect your GPA.

Be sure to consult with us if you have questions or concerns.

See more information on how to withdraw on the Registrar’s webpage.

No problem!

Quick Question?

• Email us at advising@purchase.edu. (Use your Purchase email account.)
• Call us at 914-251-3990. 

Need More Time?

• Schedule an appointment for an in-person meeting or Zoom appointment directly with us in our Starfish calendars.