Northern Illinois University

Academic Advising Center

Student in computer lab

Advising at NIU

Advising is an important component of your academic life, and a major resource for your academic success at NIU. There are academic advisors available for each of our over 50 undergraduate majors within 6 undergraduate colleges who can provide specialized advisement according to your chosen academic program. In addition, students who are undecided -- any college receive advising through the Academic Advising Center, Adams Hall 404.

Your advisor can help you:

  • Explore academic interests and determine an appropriate major
  • Design a program of study, meeting your individual interests and needs
  • Assist you in mapping out your schedule and preparing for registration
  • Monitor your academic progress
  • Help you clarify your educational and life goals
  • Find activities and opportunities to enhance your academic experience

As a student, you are responsible for your academic progress at NIU. You must make decisions based on the information, alternatives, limitations, and possible consequences as you explore with your advisor. To develop and maintain a good advising relationship, it is your responsibility to:

  • Read and use NIU’s Undergraduate Catalog
  • Know the requirements of your particular academic program
  • Monitor your academic progress
  • Initiate and maintain regular contact with your advisor
  • Create and maintain an advising file
  • Bring your advising file to every advising meeting
  • Schedule and keep advising appointments
  • Be prepared for advising meetings

Academic advising is...

a developmental process, which assists students in the clarification of their life/career goals and in the development of educational plans for the realization of these goals. It is a decision-making process by which students realize their maximum educational potential through communication and information exchanges with an advisor; it is ongoing, multifaceted, and the responsibility of both student and advisor. The advisor serves as a facilitator of communication, a coordinator of learning experiences through course and career planning and academic progress review, and an agent of referral to other campus agencies as necessary.

David S. Crockett, Ed. (1987). Advising Skills, Techniques and Resources: A Compilation of Materials Related to the Organization and Delivery of Advising Services. Iowa City, Iowa. ACT Corporation.