Student Resources

Academic Advising

Empowering your academic journey.

At SCI, each student is assigned to an academic advisor with whom you will connect with during your entire time as an undergraduate in our school. The relationship you build with your academic advisor will be integral to your intellectual, personal and professional growth. Academic advisors will help you to make informed educational choices regarding course selection, course enrollment, academic integrity, and graduation, as well as co-curricular and experiential learning opportunities.

Our Advisors

You can see your advisor’s open availability in Navigate. If you do not see availability, please send your advisor an email or visit their office hours as listed below.

Rachel Parkes, Director of Academic Advising
Office Hours for Assigned Advisees: Mondays, 2 - 3 p.m.

John C. Faulkner, Undergraduate Academic Advisor
Office Hours for Assigned Advisees: Wednesdays, 4 - 5 p.m.

Jennifer Gentzel, Undergraduate Academic Advisor
Office Hours for Assigned Advisees: Tuesdays, 5 - 6 p.m.

Anna Hermann, Undergraduate Academic Advisor
Office Hours for Assigned Advisees: Wednesdays, 1 – 2 p.m.

Emily Park, Undergraduate Academic Advisor
Office Hours for Assigned Advisees: Thursdays, 2 – 3 p.m.

Kristine Pugliese, Undergraduate Academic Advisor
Office Hours for Assigned Advisees: Mondays, 3 - 4 p.m.

Peer Advisors Drop-in Hours

Peer Advisors are current SCI students that can help you with any questions you might have about enrollment tools, building a class schedule, majors, student organizations, and more! Email questions to SCIPeerAdvisors@pitt.edu.

SCI Peer Advisor Fall 2025 Drop-In Hours:

No hours during the week of Thanksgiving break
Monday
Abby: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Aidan: 3 to 4 p.m.

Tuesday
Laura: 9 to 10 a.m.
Jessica: 1 to 2 p.m.

Wednesday
Nessa: 1 to 2 p.m.
Sarina: 2 to 3 p.m.

Thursday
Christine: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. (cancelled 11/13/25)

Friday
Chloe: 2 to 3 p.m.

SCI Peer Advisors Zoom Link

Prospective Student Office Hours

Pitt students enrolled in schools other than SCI can meet with us via Zoom, no appointment required. Students may also email quick questions to SCIadvising@pitt.edu.

Virtual Office Hours Schedule:
Monday: 5 - 6 p.m.
Tuesday & Wednesday: 2 - 3 p.m.
Thursday: 2 - 3 p.m. & 4 - 5 p.m. (4 - 5 p.m. cancelled Nov. 20)

Virtual Office Hours Zoom Link

Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies

William Garrison, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies, is available to talk on select Friday afternoons between 2 – 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Please click the link below if you wish to access the sign-up page to select any available 15-minute time slot. Take note of the meeting details, which will include the location of your appointment.

Book A Time

Placement Assessments

All SCI students are required to take the ALEKS Mathematics placement assessment prior to the beginning of their first term at Pitt. This helps you and your advisor understand your preparation for college-level courses. The optional Computational Biology Python Requirement Waiver exam is intended only for students who declared (or intend to declare) a major in computational biology.

Meet Your SCI Peer Advisors

Photo of Jessica Baek standing outside

Jessica Baek

Majors: Computer Science & Data Science

Hi, I am going into my senior year and I am the President of Epsilon Sigma Alpha (ESA) a service fraternity and a member of Women in Computer Science (WiCS). In my free time I love to explore the city, cook, and find new restaurants!

Photo of Aidan Brophy standing next to a sign outside

Aidan Brophy

Major: Digital Narrative and Interactive Design
Minors: Literature; History
Certificate: Digital Media

Peer Advisor isn't my only job — I'm a tour guide for the Nationality Rooms. Over the summer I helped the Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchange Programs prepare for their centennial anniversary! You may find me scouting study spots in the Cathedral, waiting for a bagel sandwich in Posvar, hiking to the Pete, or looking for parking spots.

Photo of Abby Feather

Abby Feather

Major: Computer Science
Minor: Information Science
Certificate: Digital Media

Hi, I am Abby! I am junior majoring in CS and a Frederick Honors student. At Pitt, I am the President of Women in Computer Science (WiCS), a Frederick Honors College Ambassador, and a Pitt Alumni Student Network Council Member. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, spending time with friends and family, reading, and cooking!

Photo of Christine Glascott in a lilac-colored sweatshirt

Christine Glascott

Major: Information Science
Minor: Computer Science

Hi! I am a member of Women in Computer Science (WiCS), the Official Association of Students in Information Science (OASIS), and a manager for Pitt Campus Recreation. I also serve as the Networking Coordinator and Panhellenic Representative for my sorority, Delta Phi Epsilon. Some of my hobbies include collecting vinyl records, going to concerts, drinking coffee, thrifting, and bowling!

Photo of Chloe Herron in front of a river

Chloe Herron

Majors: Digital Narrative and Interactive Design; Computer Science

Hi, I'm Chloe, and I'm a sophomore. I'm involved in the Computer Science Club, Women in Computer Science (WiCS), Outdoors Club, and the service fraternity EΣA. In my free time, you might find me walking through Schenley Park, playing video games, or writing in my journal. I'm so excited to welcome you to Pitt and help you feel at home here!

photo of Laura Liang

Laura Liang

Major: Computer Science
Minor: Statistics

Hi! I’m a junior majoring in Computer Science and minoring in Applied Statistics. I am the vice president of Women in Computer Science (WiCS) and a member of the Computer Science Club (CSC). In my free time, I enjoy drawing, listening to music, solving puzzles, and exploring the city!

Photo of Nessa Purohit in front of a dark gray backdrop

Nessa Purohit

Major: Information Science

Hi, I'm Nessa! In addition to being a SCI Peer Advisor, I am also a Resident Assistant in Forbes Hall, Peer Facilitator of the Panther Leadership Academy, Blue and Gold Society ambassador, and an OCC Ambassador as well. I love going on walks, spending time with family & friends, listening to music, and exploring the city!

Photo of Sarina Saran standing in an alley

Sarina Saran

Majors: Computer Science; Media and Professional Communications
Minor: Applied Fitness

Hi! I am a senior at Pitt, and this is my third year as a peer advisor. Outside classes, you'll find me around campus giving tours as a Pathfinder and teaching strength classes as a group fitness instructor. I also love trying new restaurants, traveling the world, and finding discounted tickets to concerts and musicals!