Academic Advising Overview
Administrative Department
An Academic Advisor is a key contact on campus to guide you through planning your classes for your educational and career goals, give support if you are having problems and teaches you about campus resources. Your academic advisor is assigned to you based on your intended major.
What You Can Expect from Academic Advising at UNC
We’re Here for You
From your first day to graduation, we’re focused on helping you succeed. We’ll support and cheer you on every step of the way.
We Work Together
Advising isn’t just about picking classes—it’s about connecting you with professors, campus resources, and opportunities that help you grow. We’re part of your team.
We Keep Improving
We’re always looking for better ways to support you. Whether it’s new tools, fresh ideas, or updated practices, we’re evolving to meet your needs.
We Build Relationships
We want to get to know you—not just your schedule. We ask questions, listen, and work with you to make sure your college experience fits your goals.
We Take Our Role Seriously
You can count on us for accurate, timely, and thoughtful advising. We act with integrity and professionalism, always keeping your best interests in mind.
Types of Advising
UNC has several types of advising and success support based on your major and situation. You might even have more than one advisor!
At this type of meeting, you will work with someone from your college to discuss your academic plan. You can find your assigned academic advisor in Degree Works.
You should ask questions about which classes will apply to your major, minor, or program and what order to take these classes in. Often, students attend academic advising 1-2 times per semester as they prepare for registration or graduation.
If you notice something weird in your Degree Works about a class, ask your Academic Advisor to help you.
Graduate Students meet with academic advisors too! Your graduate program advisor will help with your academic plan and research goals.
For Probation Advising, you meet with the probation support in your college (this might be your academic advisor or a success coach).
Your probation support will discuss academic policies, study skills, and other resources related to why your GPA is lower than a 2.0. You might also talk about some goals and how to address the challenges in your life.
Students going through Academic Probation must meet with their support at least once to remove the registration hold. And students who meet with their probation support at least once per month tend to accomplish their goals sooner.
Visit the Probation Portal or Email probation@unco.edu with policy questions, access to the Academic Success Workshop, and information on suspension or readmission appeals.
During a coaching session, your support will provide academic and life assistance. You might discuss milestones or goals you want to hit, how your major or minor fits into your end-game plans, and how a class is going right now.
Most students meet with their mentor for success coaching regularly in the semester. And building a relationship with your success coach or advisor can help you down the road: this person might be a perfect reference or able to write a letter of recommendation if they get to know you throughout the year.
Get connected to the Soar Office for more information on Academic Success Coaching.
UNC offers a lot of opportunities to connect with fellow Bears as part of success and mentorship programs. You will know who and how often you need to meet with your program support during your orientation with those folks. Our community and mentorship programs support your success and are part of our campus advising community:
The Center for Human Enrichment (CHE)
Student-Athlete Academic Success
Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI)
Office of Global Engagement – International Student Advising
We’ve Got Your Back
Whether you’re just starting out or deep into your major, UNC’s advising team is here to help you succeed in key areas.
Academic Confidence
Your advisor or success coach can help you build solid study routines, understand your syllabus and course expectations and navigate processes such as course registration. We also can get you connected to resources like Library Support, Tutorial Services, the Writing Center and Math Study Center
Personal Growth
Your time at UNC is about more than just the classes you take—it’s also an opportunity to explore new subjects and activities, discover what motivates you and get the most out of your college experience. Academic advisors will give you personalized recommendations for how to compliment your academic program. This could be with study abroad experiences, getting to volunteer in our community or joining a research project with one of your faculty mentors.
Post Graduation and Career Planning
It’s never too early to think about your future. Your advisor or coach will help you choose classes that match your goals, make the most of the Liberal Arts Curriculum, and stay on track for graduation and career success. We partner with our Center for Career Readiness and Bear Alumni Network for advice and inspiration. Students have access to free financial wellness and literacy resources through iGrad – a program designed to help you make effective personal finance decisions.
Important Dates
Add classes – Full Term*
Friday, August 29, 2025
Drop Classes – Full Term*
Monday, September 8, 2025