Undergraduate academic advising at University of Pittsburgh's College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) occurs at two levels: freshmen-sophomore and junior-senior. The advising center assigns freshmen and sophomores advisors who are graduate students. In addition to discussing courses and plans, students fill out registration forms each term with their advisors. During the end of the sophomore year when students are choosing majors, departmental advisors are assigned. Specialized academic advising exists in two preprofessional areas: law and medical fields. Advisors initially sign a 2-year contract that is renewable yearly contingent upon satisfactory performance and continued status as a full-time graduate student. Each advisor is responsible for about 120 students and works an average of 17 hours a week. Qualities sought in graduate-student advisors include communication skills, interest in undergraduate liberal arts education, understanding of the advisor's role, and reliability. In addition, a broad range of academic backgrounds, experiences, and interests are sought for the total staff. After being hired, new advisors undertake training for 6-8 weeks for 20 hours per week. No attempt is made to match freshmen-sophomore students with advisors on the basis of academic interests. (SW)