Graduate Advising

The ECE department uses a professional advising system in which ECE graduate advisors serve as your graduate program advisor. We will be able to help as you navigate the graduate school system, policies, procedures, deadlines, paperwork, and answer other important questions you may have.
Meet the Advisors

Laura Villada
Graduate Student Services Manager - MS Thesis, Direct PhD & PhD (Last name/Family Name A-M)
vlaura@vt.edu

Lisa K. Burns
Graduate Student Services Academic and Career Advisor - MS Thesis, Direct-PhD & PhD (Last name/Family Name N-Z)
lkburns@vt.edu

Nicole S. Sutphin
Graduate Student Services Academic and Career Advisor - MS Non-Thesis
nsutphin@vt.edu

Advising Appointments
ECE Graduate Program Advisors meet with students by appointment. Students use Navigate found on the Virginia Tech Registrar's page to schedule an appointment (in-person or phone) with their assigned program advisor. NCR students must email Ms. Paul directly to arrange a time.
Faculty Advising
ECE graduate students have an assigned ECE Interim Faculty Advisor based on their area of interest. Students should consult with their faculty advisor for course selection and plan of study.
ECE graduate program advisors collaborate with the Career & Professional Services to provide guidance related to:
- Field of study/career path
- Resume/Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Co-op and internship programs
- Permanent job search
International students should consult directly with IGSS in the Graduate School for guidance related to:
- Immigration: I-20/Visa documents
- Maintaining status
- CPT/OPT applications
- Reduced Enrollment