Academic Advising

Academic Advising Our team is here to support you throughout your academic journey!

The mission of the Merage School Undergraduate Programs Office is to provide quality, student-centered educational support and to offer services that meet the administrative and academic goals of students, the School and the University. We strive to do this in a respectful, accurate, and well-organized fashion.

What We Do

Our team is composed of experienced academic professionals and student peer advisors who can support and guide you through a variety of academic topics and questions. Advising is a partnership and students are expected to be proactive in their academic journey. Below are a few items to consider so you are prepared for your next advising session.

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Academic Topics

Academic Topics

  • University and Degree Requirements
  • Course planning
  • Enrollment
  • Academic Workshops
  • Double Major/Minor
  • Change of Major (COM)
  • Emphasis Exploration
  • Academic Recovery
  • Degree Certification & Graduation
  • Add/drop requests & Petitions

Be Prepared

Be Prepared

  • Be ON TIME! Notify us at least 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel. We want to help as many students as possible.
  • Bring a list of questions or concerns.
  • Review your DegreeWorks Report
  • Share your goals and educational priorities, limitations, and pressures.
  • Follow up on recommendations.
  • Review all university correspondence sent to your UCI email.
  • Be aware of important dates and deadlines.
  • Utilize campus resources recommended to you.
  • Accept responsibility for all aspects of your academic journey.

Benefits From Academic Advising

Benefits From Academic Advising

  • Support with making academic and career choices
  • Learn about majors and minors
  • Ensure making progress to graduate
  • Strategies to improve academic performance
  • Q&A about policies and procedures
  • Connect you to campus resources and make referrals

What to Expect From an Advisor

What to Expect From an Advisor

  • Collaborate with YOU to develop a realistic plan for timely graduation
  • Provide guidance regarding degree requirements and university policies
  • Connect you to resources that enhance your college experience
  • Adhere to confidentiality guidelines established by FERPA
  • Guide you to make independent decisions about your college career.

 

NOTE: Although advisors assist students, the responsibility for meeting degree requirements and knowing the rules which govern academic matters always rests with the individual student.

Student Academic Cycle

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Our team is composed of experienced academic professionals and student peer advisors who can support and guide you through a variety of academic topics and questions. Advising is a partnership and students are expected to be proactive in their academic journey. Below are a few items to consider so you are prepared for your next advising session. 

For students who entered with freshman standing:

Students who enter UCI directly from high school are expected to complete all degree requirements within 4 years (12 quarters, not including summer) but can be provided for up to 5 years (15 quarters, not including summers) on a case-by-case basis. This includes completion of any minors or additional (double or triple) majors.

A maximum of 216 units is permitted for all students in non-Engineering majors after their 12th quarter of study at UCI. Students with Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) credit may exceed the unit maximum by the amount of that credit.

Freshman

Freshman Experience

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4
Year 1
Meet with the academic advising team at least once. Identify degree requirements, check all credits transferred to your UCI record, and learn how to utilize Degree Works to verify this. Familiarize yourself with tools available at UCI and the Merage School. Identify University resources available as well as University policies and procedures. Join clubs and participate in extracurriculars.
Year 2
Use Degree Works to create a roadmap for degree completion. Explore major interests, skills, and abilities. Establish meaningful connections with faculty. Visit the career center for career next steps and/or resume/cover letter support. Complete all lower-division major and writing requirements before starting 3rd year.
Year 3
Participate in experimental learning such as internships, international residential, and/or undergraduate research. Identify and meet with faculty members to discuss post-graduation goals and potential letters of recommendation. Meet with staff advisors to ensure you are on track for graduation by reviewing your DegreeWorks.
Year 4
Complete remaining degree requirements. Submit application for graduation on WebAdmin and review the necessary steps for graduation and the commencement ceremony. Meet with career center to prepare for graduate school and/or career opportunities. Connect with alumni relations.

For students who entered with transfer standing:

Students who enter UCI as junior transfers from other institutions are expected to complete all degree requirements within 2 years (6 quarters, not including summer) but can be provided for up to 3 years (9 quarters, not including summers) on a case-by-case basis, regardless of units. This includes completion of any minors or additional (double or triple) majors.

Transfer

Transfer Experience

3rd Year 4th Year
3rd Year
Meet with the academic advising team at least once. Identify remaining degree requirements, including any remaining lower-division major or GE courses. Learn how to utilize Degree Works to verify this. Familiarize yourself with tools available at UCI and the Merage School. Visit the career center for career next steps and/or resume/cover letter support. Participate in experiential learning such as internships, international residential, and/or undergraduate research. Identify university resources available as well as University policies and procedures.
4th Year
Establish meaningful connections with faculty and discuss post-graduation goals and letters of recommendation. Meet with career center to prepare for graduate school and/or career opportunities. Connect with alumni relations. Meet with staff advisors to ensure you are on track for graduation by reviewing your DegreeWorks. Complete remaining degree requirements. Submit application for graduation on WebAdmin and review the necessary steps for graduation and the commencement ceremony.

Note: Students who complete their minimum degree requirements before their 12 quarter as an admitted freshman or 6th quarter as an admitted transfer are not forced to graduate early and can utilize their remaining quarters. However, financial aid is not guaranteed. Students are expected to follow up with the Financial Aid office if they have any concerns about receiving aid. International Students should also follow up with the International Center for any visa-related questions.

Our Services & How to Meet Us

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Merage Undergraduate Programs office offers various services that fit your needs! Academic advising is available through in-person/virtual drop-ins session, Zotchat, academic workshops and scheduled appointments during the fall, winter, and spring quarters. To find what our hours and which service may be the best for your question visit our Contact Us page.