Undergraduate Academic Advising

The mission of academic advising at the University of Nevada, Reno is to assist students in developing and implementing an academic plan designed to meet their educational, career and life goals. The advising process is one of shared responsibilities between students and advisors.

Academic advisement is an essential aspect of a university education and a critical element in student success at the University. It is an ongoing process that begins before the student’s first classroom experience, continues throughout the academic year and finally, prepares student to enter the world outside the University. Advisement is mandatory for new students. Enrollment holds are placed as students are admitted, and holds are removed as students are advised. First-Year students will receive holds on their account for the first three terms, and transfer students for their first. Additionally, students may have holds for a variety of reasons. Students should check MyNEVADA for further information.

The mechanism by which advising is provided to students may vary by academic unit. However, it is the responsibility of faculty and staff who serve as advisors to:

1. Be knowledgeable about the curricular requirements for the program(s) for which they advise;
2. Assist students in selecting appropriate classes and developing an academic plan that meets degree requirements;
3. Assist students in linking program requirements with relevant career and other post-graduation opportunities;
4. Be familiar with campus resources and make appropriate referrals when necessary;
5. Support the achievement of campus-wide goals for increasing graduation and retention rates;
6. Clarify and provide accurate and timely information about university policies, regulations and procedures;
7. Be available and accessible to student advisees on a regular basis;
8. Maintain student confidentiality in accordance with FERPA ; and
9. Be proficient in the use of the university’s student information system/computerized advising tools relevant to the advising process.

It is every student’s responsibility to:

1. Seek advising assistance in a timely manner;
2. Come to advising appointments prepared;
3. Become knowledgeable about university, college/school, and departmental program requirements associated with their major(s) or minor(s) as well as relevant policies and procedures;
4. Take the initiative to become familiar with and utilize available campus resources;
5. Keep their advisor informed of any changes that might impact or interfere with satisfactory academic progress; and
6. Take responsibility for their actions and decisions.

The role of an academic advisor is to assist, not make decisions for students. 

Graduate students should refer to the Graduate School  for advising.