Academic Advisors are faculty members who provide specialized information to students and alumni of the Medical School regarding postgraduate studies and career prospects.
The regulation of the postgraduate programme stipulates the rotational assignment of Academic Advisor duties to professors and regulates specific related matters. Any faculty member, regardless of rank or position, can undertake the role of Academic Advisor. Academic Advisors support their assigned students from the beginning to the end of their studies.
The role is mandatory, aiming to significantly contribute to the success of postgraduate students' studies.
Information from the Academic Advisor to the student is provided through scheduled appointments.
Depending on the number of postgraduate students, the Coordinating Committee may assign Academic Advisor duties to non-faculty members such as Special Teaching Staff, Special Laboratory Teaching Staff, Special Technical Laboratory Staff, Ph.D. holders, emeritus, or retired faculty members (as long as they teach in the postgraduate programme).
The distribution of students to Academic Advisors is decided by the Coordinating Committee. An Academic Advisor may oversee more than one student.
When first meeting a student, the Academic Advisor should record the student's details and any other important information (e.g., learning difficulties requiring special examination methods, mobility issues to suggest accessible classrooms, etc.).
Each student's record is subject to the General Data Protection Regulation and is confidential.
The Academic Advisor's role is advisory, supporting students in their studies and guiding them towards achieving their goals.
Students should discuss any academic life issues with their Academic Advisor, such as problems with courses, labs, internships, issues related to study regulations, course selection, and even personal difficulties (family issues, health problems) that might affect their studies. The Academic Advisor will strive to provide or suggest solutions to any problems that arise.
Additionally, the Academic Advisor may be the first to contact a student if requested by a faculty member and advise them on their performance (e.g., attendance issues, poor performance in courses) or discuss any issue affecting their studies (including problems with a faculty member). Based on the student's interests and desired career path, the Academic Advisor can also guide them on their thesis topic. Moreover, they can help identify career prospects in the public or private sectors, freelance opportunities, and even job positions abroad. They can also inform students about university services available to postgraduate students (International Relations Office - Erasmus+, student ID, etc.).
The Academic Advisor remains the same throughout the student's studies. Replacement of the Academic Advisor is possible for serious reasons, following a recommendation from the Coordinating Committee.
The list of Academic Advisors for the Academic Cohort 2023-2026 can be accessed here.