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Northern Illinois University

First-Year Experience & Orientation

advising

Academic Advising Preparation

Students will meet their academic advisor at orientation. The information below will help students understand NIU's advising system.

NIU provides a multifaceted advising system to meet the student's individual advising needs. Within each college and department, faculty, and staff advisors provide accurate information on academic programs, policies, procedures, and deadlines. Students who have not yet selected a major or college receive advising assistance from the Academic Advising Center.

Advisors can help students:

  • Explore academic interests and determine an appropriate major
  • Design a program of study, meeting your individual interests and needs
  • Assist in mapping out course schedules and preparing for registration
  • Monitor students' academic progress
  • Help clarify students' educational and life goals
  • Find activities and opportunities to enhance students' academic experience.

Students are responsible for their academic progress at NIU. They must make decisions based on the information, alternatives, limitations, and possible consequences as they explore with their advisor. To develop and maintain a good advising relationship, it is their responsibility to:

  • Read and use NIU's Undergraduate Catalog
  • Know the requirements of their particular academic program
  • Monitor their academic progress
  • Initiate and maintain regular contact with their advisor
  • Create and maintain an advising file
  • Bring their advising file to every advising meeting
  • Schedule and keep advising appointments
  • Be prepared for advising meetings.

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