Each HESA student is assigned an academic advisor from the faculty. The academic advisor serves as a resource to students for academic issues or concerns. The academic advisor also meets once a year with the HESA student and his or her assistantship supervisor to evaluate how things are going and to discuss how theory is being practiced through the assistantship position. Each first-year HESA student is paired with a second-year student who serves as his or her Graduate Colleague (GC). GCs serve as resources for first-year students regarding all aspects of the HESA program experience — academics, assistantship, practicum internship, UVM, and the greater Burlington community. GCs often invite their first-year students to sit on their Comprehensive Exam defense committee in the spring.

Admission to the Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) graduate program is based on the candidate's academic potential, knowledge of higher education issues, exposure to student affairs, professional readiness, and commitment to the higher education and student affairs field. The Admissions Committee assesses the candidate's potential for successful completion of the degree program and ability to function effectively as a professional in a college and university setting. Applicants are strongly advised to submit all materials (e.g., transcripts, recommendations, resume) by or before the deadline to receive a full and timely review.