Introduction to advising
Academic advising is a process by which a student meets with a faculty or professional staff member to get assistance in making important academic decisions while in pursuit of their degree. While it is always up to the student to be aware of and ensure they meet all applicable degree requirements, academic advisors are available to assist students in understanding university policies and registering in proper courses in order to graduate.
The difference between academic advisors and faculty mentors
Academic advisors
A CLA advisor can provide support for a wide range of academic needs, including assisting new and transfer students, students changing to a CLA major, and those exploring liberal arts majors and minors. They can also help students understand degree requirements such as the Core Curriculum, language, breadth and minor requirements, as well as guide students on academic recovery and pre-graduation planning. Additionally, CLA advisors are available for general advising and can serve as a resource when faculty mentors are unavailable, particularly during academic breaks.
Faculty mentors
Faculty mentors are academic faculty members who provide specialized advising for majors and minors within their department while also serving as mentors throughout a student's academic journey. They are an excellent resource for questions about program requirements, course selections and substitutions, graduate or professional school planning, and identifying internship and career opportunities related to a student's field of study.
When should you schedule an advising appointment?
Students should meet with an academic advisor whenever facing a decision or dilemma that can affect academic progress. Below are examples of when students should see an advisor:
- Every semester, before registering for classes for the upcoming term
- To discuss any problems that could affect academic progress
- When considering dropping a class
- Exploring a declaration or change of a major or minor program
- To discuss ways to improve academic performance
- Preparing to study abroad
- Before applying for graduation, to ensure all requirements are met
Class registration and peak advising periods
In order to stay on track for a timely graduation, students are highly encouraged to see an academic advisor each semester prior to enrolling in classes for the upcoming term.
Class registration periods: Students are notified via email several weeks in advance of their "enrollment appointment", which is the date and time MyNevada will allow students to begin registering for classes. This is not an actual appointment with an advisor. This information is also posted in the MyNevada Student Center.
- Class registration for Spring semesters occurs in November.
- Class registration for Fall semesters occurs in April.
Peak advising periods: The weeks leading up to and during class registration is the peak advising period, when most students see an academic advisor. During peak advising, advisors' appointment slots fill up quickly and could be booked out for several weeks. Please keep this in mind when scheduling advising appointments. Also note that the CLA Student Center and many faculty mentors do not offer same-day advising appointments unless otherwise advertised.
Steps for fall and spring class registration
First-year students will have an advising hold and must complete mandatory advising before spring and fall registration. Watch for communication from the CLA Student Center and/or your faculty mentor about how to complete this required advising.
Fall cycle
Enrollment appointment emails are typically sent:
First week of March
Suggested timeline to schedule advising appointment:
Before Spring Break
Approximate peak advising period:
Early/mid-March – End of April
Typical enrollment appointment dates for priority registrants:
April 1
Typical enrollment appointment dates for first-year students:
Third or fourth week in April
Spring cycle
Enrollment appointment emails are typically sent:
First week of October
Suggested timeline to schedule advising appointment:
No later than October 15
Approximate peak advising period:
Mid-October – Thanksgiving
Typical enrollment appointment dates for priority registrants:
November 1
Typical enrollment appointment dates for first-year students:
Mid/late November