ENV academic advising

Our purpose

Faculty of Environment academic advisors are dedicated to students’ success. For each student, we offer advising to help you develop an academic path, build vital learning skills, learn about opportunities and resources, and resolve academic issues.

Discover what we can help you with →

Student and advisor speaking to each other.

ENV faculty undergraduate contacts

Position Name and Email Office Phone ext. Book a meeting
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies Johanna Wandel EV1 326 48669 Contact Carol Knipe
Associate Dean, Work Integrated Learning  Michael Wood EV3 4223 47559 Email
Undergraduate Operations Manager
ENV diplomas, minors, and option
Carol Knipe EV1 336 46088 Email
Student Transition and Engagement Officer

Dana Elrick

EV1 343 43055 Microsoft Bookings
Faculty (International) Exchange & Undergraduate Operations Coordinator Brittany Woodhall EV1 340 45828

Email

Email for exchange information

Undergraduate academic advisors

Program Name and Email Office Phone ext. Book a meeting
Climate and Environmental Change
Geography and Environmental Management (Honours & 4-year General)
Geomatics
Crystal Vong EV1 316 40977 Email
Environment and Business Cheri Oestreich EV3 4209 42796 Email
Environment, Resources and Sustainability Patti Bester EV2 2012 46576 Email

Geography and Aviation
Geography and Environmental Management (3-year General)

Sophie Dallaire EV1 311 41186 Email
International Development Karen Robertson EV3 4207 48965 Email
Knowledge Integration Emily Beilby EV1 206 45092 Microsoft Bookings
Planning

Jessica Huang

Neda Gohardehi

EV3 3209

EV3 3307

45940

41340

Email

Email

Sustainability and Financial Management Jesse Macleod HH 3157 42433 Email

Associate chairs/directors, undergraduate studies

The associate chairs/directors oversee the undergraduate affairs within their unit. They work closely with the academic advisor and are the decision makers when issues arise that are beyond the scope of the academic advisor. The associate chairs/directors are voting members of the Faculty of Environment Undergraduate Studies Committee, which is responsible for forming and approving undergraduate policies, procedures, and curriculum.

Program Name and Email Office Phone ext.
Climate and Environmental Change
Geography and Environmental Management
Geomatics
Erin O'Connell EV1 310 47647
Environment and Business
International Development
Dan Murray EV3 4241 48909
Environment, Resources and Sustainability Andrew Trant EV2 2026 40385
Geography and Aviation, Aviation Program Manager
 
Brandon Rodenhurst EV1-304 41299
Knowledge Integration John McLevey EV1 215 41938
Planning Carrie Mitchell EV3 3241 43027
Sustainability and Financial Management Jennifer Lynes Murray (ENV)
Blake Phillips (ARTS)
EV3 4237
HH 3126
45487
48886

About academic advising in the Faculty of Environment

Faculty of Environment academic advisors are dedicated to students’ success. For each academic plan, we offer advising to help students develop an academic path, build vital learning skills, learn about opportunities and resources, and resolve academic issues.

Academic advisors help students by:

  • providing information on rules, regulations, and requirements governing academic plans, including co-op requirements, specific to their department or school;
  • offering guidance on academic enrichment opportunities, including international exchanges, diplomas, options, and minors. In these instances, students may be directed to other people/resources as is appropriate;
  • assisting with course selection, enrolment, and withdrawals in accordance with the published calendar of events and academic deadlines;
  • determining course equivalencies for studies pursued external to the university on an approved international exchange or letter of permission;
  • reviewing the student’s academic record and explaining academic standings, and providing degree requirement checks upon request;
  • offering advice on available academic pathways which may include changes to the student's academic plan;
  • managing and supporting a student’s academics during periods of personal difficulty by connecting with their instructors, referring the student to relevant campus supports, and/or assisting with the petition process; and
  • serving as a direct link to campus resources.

Our vision

Treat all students with equal respect and consideration, while providing them with knowledge, direction, and exemplary support, as they work to fulfill their academic goals. Advisors will strive to uphold the policies, degree requirements, and responsibilities of the University of Waterloo toward all students in a fair and equitable manner. In turn, we ask students to be respectful and responsive toward their advisor, to promote a positive student/advisor relationship.

Our values

  • Student focused: Academic advisors’ primary role is to support students and provide academic guidance, within policy confines, to maintain institutional integrity.
  • Respect: Academic advisors value reciprocal respect between students, faculty, and other staff members, and will work to make interactions respectful and professional.
  • Create a safe and inclusive environment: Academic advisors will provide a welcoming, safe space where students can share both their successes and challenges. Advisors build relationships through empathetic listening and compassion, treating students and the information they share with sensitivity and fairness.
  • Advice: Academic advisors provide information and resources they have on hand. They will direct students to resources, supports, and services across campus, ensuring that the information given will help inform decisions for a successful academic career.

What to expect in the advising session

Before During After

As a student... 

Refer to this page so you have a good understanding of who advisors are and what advising is.  

Research in advance. Come prepared with questions or what you hope to get out of the session so you can make the most of your session.


As an advisor... 

Prepare to advise inclusively by approaching each student as an individual, with a unique story and an inherent right to thrive. 

Familiarize yourself with the student’s record. 

Participate in training opportunities to develop tools and strategies to create a more inclusive environment on campus.

As a student... 

Discuss your academics honestly and be open to hearing and considering various options and advice. 

Actively participate by taking notes and asking questions -- sometimes advisors can't give the answer you are hoping for, but they can help you make the best of the situation. 


As an advisor... 

Provide a safe and confidential space where advisors listen, and students feel comfortable bringing their questions or concerns. 

Be present by giving your full attention and by asking open ended questions. 

Advise students on university policies, academic regulations, program requirements and help connect them to on campus resources. 

Encourage students to email you after the meeting to ensure they understand their options and have a clear plan to refer to.  

As a student... 

Define your pathway, accept responsibilities for your decisions, and take ownership of your studies. 

Follow up with your advisor for clarity if necessary. If your advisor knows the path you have decided to follow, they may be able to provide you with further direction. 


As an advisor... 

Note meeting outcome while maintaining student confidentiality.  

Stay connected. Consider following up with students or check in to see how they are doing.