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A Resource For All UNH Manchester Undergraduate Students

The college experience provides students with many new opportunities, choices and challenges. Academic advisors help students discover those opportunities, evaluate their choices and make meaningful education plans compatible with their life goals. Academic advising is a continuous process of clarification and evaluation from new student orientation through graduation. Thoughtful planning will enhance students' undergraduate experience.

Students are encouraged to consult the office with questions about:

• academic policies and programs
• career services
• special learning needs

Frequently Asked Questions About Academic Advising

• How do I get an advisor?
• When should I see my advisor?
• What if I have not declared a major?
• Why do I need an advisor's signature to register for a course?
• What if I have not pre-registered for courses?
• Do I have to take Math and English placement tests?

How am I assigned an advisor?

Students are assigned a faculty or professional advisor at the point of admission based on what they tell us in their applications. Students are matched with an advisor with similar interests. New students receive a letter prior to the start of the semester that tells them who their advisor is and how to contact their advisor. However, we know students' interests and goals evolve throughout the course of their education. You may always request a change of advisor if you feel someone else will better meet your needs. For advising to be effective, you must be comfortable with your advisor.

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When should I see my advisor?

You must see your advisor at least once a semester when you register for classes. Your advisor will help you monitor your progress toward graduation and make suggestions about appropriate courses. Ultimate responsibility for completing degree requirements is yours but your advisor is always there to help guide you.

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What if I have not declared a major?

The Academic Counseling Office can help you explore majors and career choices. We have paper and pencil as well as computer-aided career guidance programs available.

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Why do I need an advisor's signature to register for a course?

Meeting with your advisor provides an opportunity to share your long-term educational and career goals, to make judicious choices about courses appropriate to satisfying major and minor requirements and to select courses that strengthen existing skills or develop new ones. Your advisor is a resource for you on career opportunities, academic research opportunities, and a soundboard as you make decisions.

In order to register, a degree student must meet with an advisor to review his/her educational plans and assure that course selections for the upcoming semester will enable the student to meet his/her goals. To prepare for your advising appointment and plan for courses, it is helpful for students to review degree advising forms and the major requirements. The advisor's signature indicates that this meeting has taken place.

Your advisor will either sign a paper registration form or will provide you with your Registration Access Code (RAC) so that you may register online through MyUNH. You'll find information to help you log in at MYUNH Portal.

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What if I have not pre-registered for courses?

Current degree students are encouraged to register for courses during fall or spring pre-registration periods to get the best course schedule. For degree students who have not-pre-registered for courses, faculty and academic counselors are available to meet with degree students at Advising and Registration Night the week prior to the start of each semester. Check the Academic Calendar or call the Office of Academic Counseling for upcoming dates. Degree Students planning to take their first English or Math class at UNH Manchester must take the Placement Tests.

Newly admitted students should attend the new student orientation program. Students who attend Orientation will schedule an individual appointment with an academic counselor and will register, and pay for classes in the few days immediately following orientation.

Continuing education students are students who are not enrolled in a degree program. They are invited to attend Walk-In Academic Counseling sessions. Prior to the beginning of the semester, academic counselors will be available on a first come, first served basis to advise students interested in returning to or starting college. No appointment is necessary.

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Do I have to take Math and English placement tests?

Degree students are required to take English and mathematics placement tests prior to registering for ENGL 401, ENG 301, MATH 301, 302, 418, or 420. Non-degree students are strongly advised to do so as well. The test results provide you with a profile of your academic strengths and needs in order for you to select appropriate courses and academic support services. Contact the Center for Academic Enrichment for more information about placement tests and schedules.

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