First-year (Freshmen) Student Advising

You don't have to navigate your first year at college alone. NIU’s Academic Advising Center is here to help you succeed as you begin your journey as a Huskie.

Before your first advising appointment: Learn how to prepare and what to bring.

After your first advising appointment: Find out what steps to take next and how to stay on track throughout your first year.

The Academic Advising Center can assist with:

Exploring majors and minors
Identifying introductory courses to explore fields of study
Providing registration tips
Understanding graduation requirements
Finding campus resources
Determining if you should add or drop a class
Learning about academic warning

Advising Objectives and Outcomes

Arrange course planning review meetings with your advisor prior to your MyNIU enrollment appointment each semester.
Focus on completing general education classes to strengthen your writing, math and critical thinking skills.
Know the degree requirements, responsibilities and university policies that apply to you.
Visit Career Services.
Get to know your professors to find out about different majors and begin building important relationships.
Maximize your experience at NIU by working with advisors and faculty, along with participating in student clubs, community service activities, leadership events, and volunteering.

The Advising Partnership

Relationship building is a key aspect of successful academic advising, and our goal is for you to develop a positive relationship with your advisor. The first step in developing this relationship is understanding each person’s role and responsibilities.

Academic Advisor	Student	Parent/Guardian
Monitor student progress and guide you toward academic success Help you understand your responsibilities toward academic success Act as a liaison between you and NIU Act as your advocate Refer you to appropriate institutional resources.	Responsible for learning and understanding Monitor your own academic progress Know the degree requirements of the college and major of interest Communicate with the advisor regarding concerns or issues about academics or student life Attend classes Manage time for class preparation Become familiar with university resources Understand and adhere to university policies	Be available to support and encourage Maintain regular contact Offer advice as needed and when appropriate Encourage students to do things they can do for themselves Allow students to make mistakes in this safe environment

Academic Advisor

Student

Parent/Guardian

Monitor student progress and guide you toward academic success

Help you understand your responsibilities toward academic success

Act as a liaison between you and NIU

Act as your advocate

Refer you to appropriate institutional resources.

Responsible for learning and understanding

Monitor your own academic progress

Know the degree requirements of the college and major of interest

Communicate with the advisor regarding concerns or issues about academics or student life

Attend classes

Manage time for class preparation

Become familiar with university resources

Understand and adhere to university policies

Be available to support and encourage

Maintain regular contact

Offer advice as needed and when appropriate

Encourage students to do things they can do for themselves

Allow students to make mistakes in this safe environment

Choosing a Major

The best way to select the best major for you is to do some investigative homework, while being aware of your interests, goals and strengths. We recommend creating a short list of possible majors along the way to help you narrow your search.

When choosing a major, ask yourself:

What will be the primary purpose?
What skills will it emphasize?
What careers might it lead to?

Steps to take to help make the decision:

Attending career fairs and events.
Look into internship and part-time job opportunities.
Talk with your professors, especially in courses you enjoy.
Talk with other students in majors you are considering.
Talk with extended family members about their career paths.
Volunteer in activities related to an area of interest.

Advising Topics

Contact Us

Academic Advising Center
Peters Campus Life Building, room 260
815-753-2573
815-753-2902 (fax)
aac@niu.edu

Hours

Monday - Friday
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

To schedule an appointment, email us at aac@niu.edu.