Undergraduate Advising

Where to Find Advice

A great deal of information is to be found in the Undergraduate Catalog and in the general page about Academic Advising at NIU. Always refer to it first on matters of departmental, college, or university requirements.

Course schedules are listed on MyNIU. Registration and Records provides information on how to register for classes.

Environmental Studies majors and minors should refer to the details for building a course plan and schedule an appointment as appropriate.

Advising for new NIU students is held during your official orientation. You will not be able to register for courses until you have met with an advisor in your major college during orientation.

Meeting With Your Major Advisor

Meet with your advisor immediately after you decide on your major field of study. Your advisor will help you plan sequences of classes required to complete your degree within an eight-semester time frame. Subsequently, you should plan to contact your advisor at least once a semester.

Treat your advising appointment like an interview. Come prepared with knowledge about the classes offered for the upcoming semester, general information about the major, and questions for the advisor.

Recommendations

• Student Career Success through Engaged Learning (online booklet)
• Gain research experience in a professor’s lab (ENVS 490)
• Develop appropriate oral and written communication skills (The Writing Center)
• Get an internship (ENVS 492)
• Become involved in student organizations and student life
• Immerse yourself in your chosen field (Career Services)
• Read constantly in a variety of subjects (academic, nonfiction, novels, etc)
• Consider spending a semester to study abroad

Advising Checklists

Biodiversity and Environmental Restoration, B.S. (PDF)

Educator Licensure, B.S. (PDF)

Energy Studies, B.S. (PDF)

Environmental Policy, B.A. (PDF)

Environmental Policy, B.S. (PDF)

Nature in Society, B.A. (PDF)

Nature in Society, B.S. (PDF)

Sustainable Food Systems, B.S. (PDF)

Water Sciences, B.S. (PDF)