Advisors are typically assigned between seven and nine students who form the Conference Group for the academic year (semester only advisement in the case of some programs). The advisor meets with all students once a week through the academic year (Fall and Spring) during the scheduled Conference Group meeting. Additionally, advisors visit each student in his or her placement site at three times per semester, typically for a half a day at each visit. Advisors also schedule individual conferences with each student regularly. After Supervised Fieldwork/Advisement, the advisor continues to provide academic advice to all advisees (through graduation). In the instances in which advisors leave Bank Street before all advisees have graduated, the advisement records are transferred to the program director or department chair.
At the end of the first semester, students generally receive IP (In-Progress) grades, which are converted to a Pass or a No Pass when advisors turn in the final Supervised Fieldwork/Advisement grades at the end of the year. Occasionally, the year of Supervised Fieldwork/Advisement is interrupted or must be extended; advisor, student, and program director or department chair review the circumstances and design an appropriate plan. In these instances and when an advisee is experiencing difficulties, the advisor should consult with the program director and/or department chair(s) as soon as the problems emerge. Each program has a system for documenting student work in the field; advisors are responsible for maintaining advisement files for all advisees throughout the Fieldwork year and through graduation. Student placement information is also documented using the student placement form. In addition to program, department, and divisional monthly meetings, advisors may be asked to participate in open houses for prospective students and registration, on a rotating basis.