Academic Advising: Frequently Asked Questions

How do I schedule an appointment?

Appointments for all undergraduate majors can be scheduled by calling 815-753-1891.

Note: If no one is able to answer when you call, please be sure to leave a message with your name, ZID number, phone number and the reason for your call. Someone will return your call as soon as possible during regular business hours.

Can I just email my advisor for an academic advising appointment?

At this time, we request that you schedule an appointment for advising by calling the phone number listed above for your major. In order to best support your academic advising needs it's important that appointments are conducted via video chat or phone through Microsoft Teams.

Appointments are required in the following instances:

When is it appropriate to email my advisor or chhs@niu.edu instead of scheduling an appointment?

Your advisor can assist you via email in the following circumstances (if you are a current student, be sure to use your NIU Z-ID student email account):

  • You want to drop or withdraw from a class (Be sure to pay attention to the deadlines for this that are listed in the Catalog's Academic Calendar).
  • You need help enrolling in a class (You must contact the NIU department offering the course first, and if they are unable to assist, then you should follow up with your advisor for alternate solutions). For example, if the course is BIOS, contact the biology department directly.
  • You are experiencing challenges and you need some advice on what to do or where to go for help. There are various NIU campus services available to you. However, please consider scheduling an appointment with your advisor as well. We care about you and are available to help as much as we can!
  • You have already met with your advisor who provided you with a plan for the term and you have follow-up questions.
  • You have simple questions relating to your current major (i.e. application information for our limited admissions programs, GPA Calculation assistance, student organization referrals, etc.).
  • You are considering making changes to your current plan that were not previously listed as options by your advisor.
  • You are interested in adding a minor in our college email chhs@niu.edu.
  • You want to take a class at another college or you have questions about transferring credits. See our transfer guides, senior/concurrent transfer permission form and the 2022/2023 financial aid consortium agreement form (PDF).
  • You are requesting third attempt permission for a course.
  • You are requesting overload permission (more than 18 credits).
  • You are planning to graduate in the upcoming term and would like an advisor to conduct a "graduation check." See graduation ceremony/commencement information.
  • Your academic requirements report (ARR) in MyNIU says you are missing requirements that you thought you had already completed.
  • You need help with anything else related to advising not listed above.

Note: Advisors are prioritizing email responses in the order that they are received as efficiently as possible. Please be patient with us as we are doing the best we can to serve you. Typical response time is within three business days. If you need immediate assistance for a time-sensitive issue, please call 815-753-1891.

Contact Us

College of Health and Human Sciences Advising
Wirtz Hall 227

815-753-1891
chhs@niu.edu

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