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First-year (Freshmen) Student Advising

Your advising appointment is part of your full Orientation Experience as an admitted first-year student. This page covers what to expect at your virtual academic advising appointment and how to prepare for it.

Your advising appointment is a one-on-one with an academic advisor who will help you review your degree requirements, discuss your placement results and prior credits and register for your first-semester classes. You'll meet on a separate date from your Orientation.

How to Schedule

Once you've completed Part 1 of your Orientation Preparation (Academic Prep) in your Next Steps Portal, you can schedule your advising appointment:

  1. Log in to your Next Steps Portal.
  2. Select Orientation Advising.
  3. Browse available dates and times and choose the slot that works best for you.

What to Expect

Your advising appointment will last about 45 minutes and take place virtually on Microsoft Teams. During your appointment, your advisor will help you:

  • Review your degree requirements
  • Discuss your placement results and prior credits
  • Register for your first-semester classes

After your appointment, you'll be ready to attend Orientation with your schedule in place.

How to Prepare for Your Appointment

Tasks to Complete

  • Complete Part 1 of your Orientation Preparation (Academic Prep) in your Next Steps Portal. Academic Prep covers what to expect at your advising appointment, the academic policies you'll need to know and how to find and sign up for classes.
  • Complete required NIU placement exams for your major. Email testing@niu.edu with any questions.
  • Submit all final, official transcripts and send all college credit earned prior to NIU, including AP, CLEP, IB and dual credit. Email admissions@niu.edu with any questions.
  • Download Microsoft Teams, the platform on which your appointment will take place.

Recommended Preparation

  • Review the four-year degree path for your major to understand course requirements and sequencing.
  • If you're undecided about your major, explore our majors.
  • Browse the knowledge domain courses to see how general education requirements apply across the curriculum.
  • Review the undergraduate catalog to learn about general education requirements and academic policies.

What You'll Need the Day of Your Appointment

  • A device with a camera and stable internet (laptop or desktop highly preferred)
  • A quiet, distraction-free space
  • Pen and paper for notes
  • A list of AP, IB, dual credit or college-level classes
  • Your MyNIU login credentials (Z-ID and password)

Late Policy and Rescheduling

If you don't join the appointment within 10 minutes of the start time, you'll need to reschedule. Log in to your Next Steps Portal to reschedule.

Any advising appointments after Orientation will be scheduled through Navigate, not the Next Steps Portal.

If you have any questions about your advising appointment, contact the Academic Advising Center at 815-753-2573 or aac@niu.edu.

What Happens After Your Appointment

After your advising appointment, you'll attend your Orientation date with your first-semester schedule already in place. From there, your advising relationships will evolve as you progress through your degree:

First-year Student

Under 24 credits earned. You'll continue to work with a first-year advisor focused on foundational courses and your transition to NIU.

Major Declared

Once you've earned 24 credits and declared your major, you'll transition to your college's advising office for major-specific support.

Near Graduation

You'll receive advising from faculty or departmental advisors in your major as you finalize your degree requirements.

For details on adjusting your schedule, working with your advisor as a continuing student and what to do if your placement results or transferred credits change, visit After Your Orientation Advising Appointment.

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.