Student Services Advising Hub

The School of Architecture Student Services Advising Hub supports students throughout their academic journey at RPI. The Advising Hub partners with faculty to help students navigate degree requirements, explore opportunities, and stay on track toward graduation.

The Hub works with both undergraduate and graduate students, providing guidance that is individualized, proactive, and aligned with academic and professional goals.

Advising Support & Services

The Advising Hub provides support in the following areas:

Academic planning and degree progress
Course registration and scheduling
Graduation requirements and degree audits
Academic policies and procedures
Leaves of absence and returns
Connections to campus resources and support services

The Hub serves as a central point of contact and helps direct students to appropriate offices and services as needed.

How Advising Works

All students in the School of Architecture are assigned a faculty advisor during their first year at RPI.

Faculty advisors support academic and professional development by:

Providing mentorship within the discipline
Offering guidance on internships, research, and career pathways
Assisting with long-term academic planning

The Student Services Advising Hub works in partnership with faculty advisors to provide policy, academic planning, and registration support, as well as connect students with campus resources. This dual-advising model ensures that students receive both disciplinary mentorship and administrative support throughout their time at RPI.

Who to Contact

General advising questions: Student Services Advising Hub
Major-specific or career guidance: Faculty Advisor

Meet the Team

Elizabeth Harwood
Student Services Manager

(518) 276-8179

Elizabeth Harwood is the Manager of Student Services for the School of Architecture at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She provides leadership for undergraduate student services, overseeing advising operations, academic policy implementation, and strategic initiatives that support student success. She works closely with faculty and campus partners to ensure a coordinated and effective advising experience.

Jamie Obst
Sr. Student Service Administrator, Graduate

(518) 276-3068

Jamie Obst supports graduate students in the School of Architecture at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, providing guidance on academic planning, policies, and program requirements. She works closely with faculty and students to facilitate progress toward degree completion and to ensure a supportive and well-coordinated graduate experience. Jamie also supports undergraduate students in navigating the School of Architecture’s abroad and off campus programs.

Both staff advisors can be reached via e-mail, Webex, or phone. Students are welcome to make an appointment via email or drop in to the Hub during business hours.