Evaluating the JA Program

What is the role of a junior advisor (JA)? And what should it be in the future, as the needs of first-year students change over time? 

Those are among the questions being explored by the JA Program Working Group, which in the fall began a yearlong study of Williams’ signature residential first-year program. The working group is considering whether and how the nearly 100-year-old, student-led program should evolve, including recommending enhancements or refinements to the existing model, alternative approaches, and a strategy for periodically assessing the program in the future. 

Co-chaired by Gretchen Long, dean of the college, and Jeff Malanson, senior associate dean for administration, finance and strategy, the working group of 13 students, staff and faculty is seeking feedback from a wide range of interested groups, including alumni. They’ll deliver recommendations to the college’s Board of Trustees in the spring.

For more information, visit bit.ly/JAwkgroup.