Office of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions Advising

Advising, in all forms, is an important part of your time here at Westfield State University. Whether you need help picking classes, want to change your major, or are looking for career advice, the Office of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions can connect you to someone who can help!

Students are strongly encouraged to connect with their academic advisor every semester. Your academic advisor can help you pick classes and has expertise in the field you are pursuing. They are an extremely valuable resource and you should check in with them frequently.

Common Questions

When should I meet with my advisor?
There are many times when it is appropriate to meet with your advisor, such as:

  • Before you begin your first semester at Westfield State
  • Each semester before you register for classes
  • If you are having trouble in a class or with your major
  • If you would like to take a class elsewhere and transfer it in
  • If you have questions about licensing requirements
  • If you’re interested in going to graduate school

Who is my Advisor?

Students beginning in our undergraduate programs will be assigned a faculty advisor in their first semester at WSU. The advising center will assist new students with their first semester at WSU. For more information, please visit Transfer Student Advising.

For Graduate students, please see the chart below to find out who the advisor for your program is and how you should make an appointment to meet with them.

Advisors for Graduate Programs

ProgramHow to make an appointment  Advisor
Accounting (grad)Email emoore@westfield.ma.eduErin Moore
Applied Behavior Analysis (grad)Email jreyes@westfield.ma.eduJorge Reyes
Art (post-bacc)Email dshapleigh@westfield.ma.eduDavid Shapleigh
Biology (post-bacc/grad)Email achristensen@westfield.ma.edu
Email jstephens@westfield.ma.edu
Arne Christensen & Jessica Stephens, Fall 25
Counseling- Forensic/Law Enforcement (grad)Email jcamilleri@westfield.ma.eduJoseph Camilleri
Counseling-Mental Health (grad)Email nmorrison@westfield.ma.eduNick Morrison
Counseling-School (grad)Email mletasz@westfield.ma.eduMaria Letasz
Criminal Justice (grad)Email ckudlac@westfield.ma.eduChristopher Kudlac
Education, Early Childhood (post-bacc/grad)Email mtager@westfield.ma.eduMiriam Tager
Education, Elementary (post-bacc/grad)Email mtager@westfield.ma.eduMiriam Tager
Education, Moderate Disabilities (all levels)Email tmcleod@westfield.ma.eduTracy McLeod
Education, Reading Specialist (grad)Email sberkowitz@westfield.ma.eduSandra Berkowitz
Education, Vocational (grad)Call (413) 572-8461 for contact informationDonald Jarvis
English (post-bacc/grad)Email gbrewster@westfield.ma.eduGlen Brewster
History (post-bacc/grad)Email jdempsey@westfield.ma.eduJohn Dempsey
Math (post-bacc/grad)Email cvonrenesse@westfield.ma.eduChrissi Von Renesse
Movement Science (post-bacc/grad)Email rrausch@westfield.ma.eduRobert Rausch
Music (post-bacc  licensure)Email abonacci@westfield.ma.eduAndrew Bonacci
Physician Assistant Studies (grad)Email jhixon@westfield.ma.eduJennifer Hixon
Public AdministrationEmail cdistefano@westfield.ma.eduCharles DiStefano
Social Work (grad)Email mhorwitz@westfield.ma.eduMark Horwitz

What if I'm having trouble connecting with my advisor?
Students who are having trouble connecting with their advisor should contact us at 413-572-8461 or graduate@westfield.ma.edu.

Where can I go if I need advice about my career path?
Students can always speak to their academic advisor for information about working in the field or going to graduate school.

Students who need more direct help with applying to jobs, constructing a resume, preparing for an interview, or finding networking opportunities, should contact the campus Career Center at 413-572-5206. or careers@westfield.ma.edu.

I'd like to change my major, who should I speak to?
Students who would like to change their major are encouraged to talk to their current advisor and the advisor for the major they wish to change into.

Changing majors can be a big decision and will affect your program of study, potentially requiring you to complete additional credits. Students can all process a “What If” degree audit through DegreeWorks in their myWestfield account.