SENIOR ADVISORS

Freshmen who read this morning's CRIMSON will discover that they are about to be advised again; this time by especially appointed upperclassmen. Being Freshmen they will not be unduly thrilled at the prospect, and if they have friends ahead of them they will not expect to be at all troubled by their advisors.

There is no denying that in the past, the appointment of Senior Advisors for Freshmen has been more or less perfunctory--a mere gesture of welcome. Most upperclassmen have come through their freshman year without a word of advice from knowing Seniors; many without even learning that a special guardian had been appointed.

Yet the system, however, in practice, is sound in theory; there is undoubtedly a need for the student advisor. Many a Freshman in the past might have found himself sooner if his advisor had been on the job.

The reason that the system has not yet been successful is not far to seek. Hitherto neither the College Office, the Senior class, or the Freshmen have taken an strive interest in its workings. Realizing this to be the case, efforts have been made this year to attach more importance to the work of advising.

The Office is sending to each advisor to grades of advisees who are low in their work, with the request that the Senior investigate the case. This is a good step, but, we hope, only the first one in that direction. As a further improvement we suggest that the Deans should call for periodic reports from the advisors, showing that they have taken a personal interest in each Freshman assigned to him. If the Senior is impressed with his responsibility, and if the Freshman brought to feel that his advisor takes a real interest and is glad to be of service, the system will soon become invaluable.