Advising, in all forms, is an important part of your time here at Westfield State University. Whether you need help picking classes, want to change your major, or are looking for career advice, the Office of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions can connect you to someone who can help!
Students are strongly encouraged to connect with their academic advisor every semester. Your academic advisor can help you pick classes and has expertise in the field you are pursuing. They are an extremely valuable resource and you should check in with them frequently.
Common Questions
When should I meet with my advisor?
There are many times when it is appropriate to meet with your advisor, such as:
- Before you begin your first semester at Westfield State
- Each semester before you register for classes
- If you are having trouble in a class or with your major
- If you would like to take a class elsewhere and transfer it in
- If you have questions about licensing requirements
- If you’re interested in going to graduate school
Who is my Advisor?
Students beginning in our undergraduate programs will be assigned a faculty advisor in their first semester at WSU. The advising center will assist new students with their first semester at WSU. For more information, please visit Transfer Student Advising.
For Graduate students, please see the chart below to find out who the advisor for your program is and how you should make an appointment to meet with them.
Advisors for Graduate Programs
| Program |
How to make an appointment |
Advisor |
| Accounting (grad) |
Email emoore@westfield.ma.edu |
Erin Moore |
| Applied Behavior Analysis (grad) |
Email jreyes@westfield.ma.edu |
Jorge Reyes |
| Art (post-bacc) |
Email dshapleigh@westfield.ma.edu |
David Shapleigh |
| Biology (post-bacc/grad) |
Email dchristensen@westfield.ma.edu
|
David Christensen
|
| Counseling- Forensic (grad) |
Email jcamilleri@westfield.ma.edu |
Joseph Camilleri |
| Counseling-Mental Health (grad) |
Email rhayes@westfield.ma.edu |
Robert Hayes |
| Counseling-School (grad) |
Email mletasz@westfield.ma.edu |
Maria Letasz |
| Criminal Justice (grad) |
Email ckudlac@westfield.ma.edu |
Christopher Kudlac |
| Education, Early Childhood (post-bacc/grad) |
Email mtager@westfield.ma.edu |
Miriam Tager |
|
| Education, Elementary (post-bacc/grad) |
Email sgrimaldi@westfield.ma.edu
Email sberkowitz@westfield.ma.edu
|
Stephanie Grimaldi (Fall 2022 semester)
Sandra Berkowitz (Spring 2023 semester)
|
| Education, Moderate Disabilities (all levels) |
Email tmcleod@westfield.ma.edu |
Tracy McLeod |
| Education, Reading Specialist (grad) |
Email sberkowitz@westfield.ma.edu |
Sandra Berkowitz |
| Education, Vocational (grad) |
Call (413) 572-8461 for contact information |
Donald Jarvis |
| English (post-bacc/grad) |
Email gbrewster@westfield.ma.edu |
Glen Brewster |
| History (post-bacc/grad) |
Email jdempsey@westfield.ma.edu |
John Dempsey |
| Language and Cultural Studies (grad cert) |
Email hviera@westfield.ma.edu |
Hugo Viera |
| Math (post-bacc/grad) |
Email cvonrenesse@westfield.ma.edu |
Chrissi Von Renesse |
| Movement Science (post-bacc/grad) |
Email rrausch@westfield.ma.edu |
Robert Rausch |
| Music (post-bacc licensure) |
Email abonacci@westfield.ma.edu |
Andrew Bonacci |
| Physician Assistant Studies (grad) |
Email jhixon@westfield.ma.edu |
Jennifer Hixon |
| Public Administration |
Email cdistefano@westfield.ma.edu |
Charles DiStefano |
| Social Work (grad) |
Email mfarinadeparada@westfield.ma.edu |
Maria del Mar Farina de Parada |
What if I'm having trouble connecting with my advisor?
Students who are having trouble connecting with their advisor should contact us at (413) 572-8461 or graduate@westfield.ma.edu.
Where can I go if I need advice about my career path?
Students can always speak to their academic advisor for information about working in the field or going to graduate school.
Students who need more direct help with applying to jobs, constructing a resume, preparing for an interview, or finding networking opportunities, should contact the campus Career Center at (413) 572-5206 or careers@westfield.ma.edu.
I'd like to change my major, who should I speak to?
Students who would like to change their major are encouraged to talk to their current advisor and the advisor for the major they wish to change into.
Changing majors can be a big decision and will affect your program of study, potentially requiring you to complete additional credits. Students can all process a “What If” degree audit through DegreeWorks in their myWestfield account.
