Davidson students are intelligent, academically talented, and accustomed to achieving excellent grades. Each year, approximately ninety percent of the entering class has graduated in the top twenty percent of their high school classes. The Davidson curriculum is demanding, designed to challenge these exceptional students to achieve their fullest potential. Students and their parents should exercise patience as they adjust to Davidson and its rigorous academic demands.

Fortunately, students are not alone as they make those adjustments. The college provides a broad network of academic support for all students.

Faculty Advisor
Each student is assigned a faculty advisor who advises the student's academic work until the end of the sophomore year when a major is declared. At that time, the student chooses an advisor in the major department. Academic advising is personal, and each student is encouraged to meet often with his or her advisor.

Students are required to consult with their advisors prior to each semester's registration. Major advisors assist students in planning how to meet all requirements for graduation and in making plans for their lives after graduation. All students are expected to know the requirements for normal progress toward graduation and their own status in relation to them. While the advisor should be abreast of an advisee's progress, it is ultimately the student's responsibility.

Other Assistance
If an advisor is unable to help solve a problem, the student will be referred to another appropriate college office. There are a number of people on campus who are willing to help students experiencing academic difficulty in one or more classes. Students with diagnosed or suspected learning disabilities may receive appropriate assistance through the Office of the Dean of Students.

At the beginning of each semester, all professors announce office hours when they are available to students outside of class. They are often in the best position to help a student analyze his or her academic problem.

Peer Tutors
The Office of the Dean of Students provides trained peer tutors for each academic discipline. Although these services are usually provided at the student's expense, special arrangements can be made for those for whom the expense is a burden.

Counselors
The counselors in the Student Counseling Center can assist students in developing stress management and time management skills as well as in addressing more serious personal problems, which may be hampering their ability to study effectively.

At the end of each semester, students' grades are made available to students and advisors on the Web. A grade report is mailed to the parents.

Parents with questions or concerns may contact the student's advisor or the Office of the Dean of Students at 704-894-2225.

 

Optional Study Opportunities
Davidson College encourages students to spend time studying away from the campus, whether abroad or on other campuses within the United States. The Study Abroad Office can advise students about their opportunities. In addition, a number of special study options are available through the various departments at the college.