Dr. Joseph Devine is both an associate dean of H&SS and the director of the Academic Advisory Center. He advises the Student-Defined Major Program, students in the Sciences and Humanities Scholars program, and directs the university's Prelaw Advising Program.
Phone: (412) 268-6117
Email: jd0x@andrew.cmu.edu

"Shortly after college and very early in my career, I lucked out and got my first teaching job in Southern Switzerland. During the day, I could always stop, look around and find an Alp or two for a moment's contemplation, and they slowly cast quite a spell. I still think of the mountains, often, and of the importance they taught me of reflection, of putting the 'small stuff' down below into proper perspective, and of the uplifting sense of broadening horizons that they evoke. Interestingly, these sentiments have become important to me in my philosophy of academic advising, and become a central part of what I try to do with each student whom I advise. It's a valuable set of lessons — I hope I've managed to pass it along to at least a few students along the way."

Debby Gerhardt is the assistant director of the Academic Advising Center. She advises undeclared students and all students who transfer to H&SS from outside of Carnegie Mellon.
Phone: (412) 268-1076
Email: dg0e@andrew.cmu.edu

"While at Rutgers University, I spent my undergraduate years studying urban elementary education. For three years I taught 'inner city' high school and adult students before moving to Pittsburgh. I have been working in the AAC since 1982. Currently, I am working on my M.Ed. in Adult Education at Penn State University. 'Life-long learning' is an interest and commitment in education that I have been developing."

Emily McCall advises undeclared H&SS students.
Phone: (412) 268-1080
Email: emccall@andrew.cmu.edu

"My desire to work with college students was sparked when I had the opportunity to serve as a 'Link' for a group of first-year students in my senior year at Colgate University. In this role, I acted first as an orientation counselor, and then continued to be a mentor throughout their first-year transition into college life. The interactions and experiences I shared with my advisees in that year left an indelible impression on me. Particularly impressive was my students' drive to be a part of a new community, while also striving to learn about themselves and how to realize their potential.

Upon graduation from college, I worked in Edinburgh, Scotland, fulfilling a desire to travel and learn about a country and people that were new to me. Once I returned home, my love of literature and writing led me to teach English at the secondary level for three years in independent schools in Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Again, I had the chance to advise a small group of students each year on academic and personal matters. As much as I enjoyed the challenges of teaching within the classroom, I found that I looked forward more than anything to the time I could find to support students one-on-one as they experienced tremendous personal growth both inside and outside of the classroom. I am thrilled to work with the exceptionally creative, talented, and diverse students here in H&SS, and to help each one learn about the many opportunities awaiting them here at Carnegie Mellon and beyond."

Shannon Young advises undeclared H&SS students.
Phone: (412) 268-1079
Email: slyoung@andrew.cmu.edu

"My work in higher education began when I served as a freshman composition instructor while pursuing my masters' degree in English at the University of Pittsburgh. Teaching first year college students allowed me to observe the significant transitions that students make as they acclimate to the college environment. My teaching experience and my desire to work more closely with students in a one-on-one relationship sparked my interest in advising. In August 2004, I came to H&SS from Chatham College, where I directed the advising program for undergraduate students.

Having pursued a liberal arts education, I understand the attraction that H&SS holds for students. The opportunity to explore a broad range of subjects and methodologies while earning a degree in a specific discipline enables students to develop valuable knowledge and skills that can be applied to numerous personal, social, and professional situations. Graduates can use this knowledge and skill set to successfully pursue their unique goals. As an advisor, what intrigues me most is exploring each student's questions, dreams, and goals."