Advice for Students by Year

First-year Students

Prior to orientation, set up an appointment with testing services to take any required placement tests.
Attend orientation to meet with an advisor and register for classes.
Consider registering for UNIV 101, a one-credit hour course to help students adjust to life at NIU.
Attend the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Welcome Days event.
Review a four-year plan for your intended major.
Beginning the first week of October, meet with an advisor to plan your spring schedule.
Beginning the first week of March, meet with an advisor to plan your summer and/or fall schedule.
Register for courses on your enrollment date (found in MyNIU Student Center each semester).

Second-year Students

Students with 24 or more earned credits will be advised by an advisor. Schedule an advising transition meeting as soon as you are assigned an advisor in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Beginning the first week of October, meet with a college advisor to plan your spring schedule.
Beginning the first week of March, meet with a college advisor to plan your summer and/or fall schedule.
Register for courses on your enrollment date (found in MyNIU Student Center each semester).
Consider enrolling in UNIV 301: Braven Leadership and Career Accelerator during your second year.

Third-year Students

Register for a practice interview before attending a graduate school fair, internship fair or career fair.
Beginning the first week of October, meet with your major advisor and a college advisor to plan your spring schedule.
Beginning the first week of March, meet with your major advisor and a college advisor to plan your summer and/or fall schedule.
Register for courses on your enrollment date (found in MyNIU Student Center each semester).

Fourth-year Students

August/Summer Graduation

Application period: Apply from August 1 through June 15.

Commencement ceremony: NIU does not hold a commencement ceremony in August. August graduates will automatically be invited to attend the December commencement ceremony.

May ceremony participation: August graduates who wish to participate in the May ceremony must apply for August graduation by February 1.

December/Fall Graduation

Application period: Apply from March 1 through September 1.

May/Spring Graduation

Application period: Apply from August 1 through February 1.

Meet with your advisor for a graduation check before the semester you intend to graduate.
RSVP for your graduation ceremony.
If you plan on taking courses at another institution as a senior, you must fill out a senior transfer request form with your college advisor.
Attend a graduate school fair, an internship fair and/or a full-time job fair.

Academics

Contact Us

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Advising
Zulauf Hall 201
815-753-0114
815-753-5904 (fax)
clas_advising_office@niu.edu

Office Hours
Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.- noon and 1-4:30 p.m. and can be virtual or in-person.