Academic Advising

collage of academic advisors and advisors with students

Here for you

Whether you're choosing your programs and courses, looking to understand university policies, or just looking to talk to someone who cares about your success, we are here to help

 

What can I talk to my advisors about?


We'll work with you to: 

  • discuss your academic goals and develop plans to achieve them
  • determine how academic policies and processes apply to you
  • navigate academic or personal concerns that may impact your grades
  • connect you to services and opportunities to help you make the most of your time at UTM

Did you know?

Academic advising has been shown to positively impact students’ grade point average, feelings of belonging, graduation rates, and overall satisfaction with their educational experience.1 

 

 

Who should I talk to?


We are a team of 30+ knowledgeable and friendly advisors, located in the Office of the Registrar and across each of the academic departments (e.g., Department of Biology). All advisors provide the supports described above, plus have different areas of specialty:

Academic Advisors - Office of the Registrar


  • Specialize in providing guidance and support related to degree planning and requirements
  • Available for all students

Academic Advisors - Academic Departments


  • Specialize in providing guidance and support related to their department, including:
    • their programs (Specialists, Majors, Minors) and courses
    • their specific academic policies (e.g., missed test/assignment)
  • Support students entering or completing their programs and courses
UTM student

"The advisors clearly explained my program requirements and course options, and they guided me through the enrolment process. I appreciated how approachable they were and how they took time to answer my questions. I left with a better understanding of how to plan my degree and manage deadlines." - Sisvia N., Year 4

Common advising topics

 

Office of the Registrar

Department 

I'm dealing with some issues that are impacting my grades. What should I do?

Should I drop this course?

I want to learn more about getting involved on campus/within my program(s) (i.e., clubs, sports, research, work or international opportunities).

I want to learn more about submitting a petition. Who should I speak to?

Am I on track for graduation?

How does the program (POSt) selection process work? What program(s) should I take? What if I don't get in? 

 

How do I satisfy my distribution requirements?

 
What courses should I take for my program? 

Can the prerequisite for this course could be waived? 

I need to miss a test/get an extension on an assignment. I’ve read the course syllabus and I’m still unsure what to do. 

 

Contact your advisor


We offer flexible ways to connect: in person, over Teams/Zoom, email, and over the phone.

Safa Armanazi - staff photo

Safa Armanazi

 

Nigarish staff photo

Nigarish Ahmad

Staff photo of Jen

Jen Duggan

Staff photo of Dray

Dray Perenic

Staff photo of Melanie

Melanie Peters

Staff photo of Kate

Kate Romanow

Staff photo of Angel

Angel Sultan (on leave)

Photo of a deer in a forest

Katherine Pak

Not sure which department your program belongs to? Use the Academic Calendar's List of Programs page to search for programs and departments. 


Chemical and Physical Sciences - Christina Fortes


new-post christina.fortes@utoronto.ca

link--v1 CPS advising page

Forensic Science - Teresa Cabral


new-post forensic.advisor@utoronto.ca

calendar-plus Book an appointment

Geography, Geomatics, and Environment - Ruhina Shaikh


new-post advisor.gge.utm@utoronto.ca

link--v1 GG&E advising page

Staff photo of Marko

IMI - Marko Radin


new-post imi@utoronto.ca

Staff photo of Malisa

ISUP - Malisa Zhou


new-post isup.advisor@utoronto.ca

Mathematical & Computational Sciences - Eliza Escandar


new-post ugmcs.utm@utoronto.ca

link--v1 MCS advising page

Mathematical & Computational Sciences - Aria Abbasi


new-post ugmcs.utm@utoronto.ca

link--v1 MCS advising page

Philosophy - Jane Medeiros


new-post ugadvisor.philosophy.utm@utoronto.ca

 

 

 

 


1 Re. GPA, see Kot, 2014, Dills & Traywick, 2024, and Cherng et al., 2025; re. feelings of belonging and satisfaction, see DeRosa, 2023; and re. retention and graduation rates, see Shaw et al, 2021, Dills & Traywick, 2024, and Cherng et al., 2025