ADVISING SYLLABUS - ACADEMIC ADVISING IN THE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE
College of Science Academic Advising Mission Statement
Undergraduate academic advising in the College of Science teaches and empowers students to take responsibility for learning and
for their own academic success.
What is Academic Advising?
Academic advising is intended for you, as the student, to proactively plan and consult with your advisor on your academic program
in order to achieve your educational and professional goals.
Academic Advisor’s Role:
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Be knowledgeable about Core Curriculum requirements, program requirements for which they advise, and university wide
policies and processes related to advising
Clarify and provide accurate, timely information about university policies, regulations, and procedures
Be proficient in using MyNevada as an advising tool
Teach students to identify appropriate classes utilizing various resources that meet degree requirements
Maintain confidentiality
Be accessible and responsive to student inquiries and requests in a timely manner (within 3 business days)
Faculty Advisor’s Role:
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Be knowledgeable about courses and requirements for the academic program for which they advise
Advise students on program options and specifically on upper division coursework for the student’s program
Mentor and provide guidance related to graduate/professional school or employment
All College of Science students will:
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Take responsibility for your education
Identify and develop your academic and career goals
Be knowledgeable about the College of Science Advising webpages (www.unr.edu/science/advising)
Know who your academic advisor is and their contact information
Allow 1-2 business days for your academic advisors to respond to your e mail and/or voice mail
Be knowledgeable about the Core Curriculum requirements and your major requirements
Be knowledgeable about pre-requisites and co-requisites for courses necessary for your academic program
Be knowledgeable about policies and accessing appropriate forms available on the Academic Central Website including:
o Change/Declaration of Major
o Change/Declaration of Minor
o Grade Replacement Request
o Leave of Absence
Become familiar with on-line tools, campus resources, and policies such as:
o On-line tools and resources:
 MyNevada
 Add/Drop/Swap/Waitlist courses
 Enrollment Dates
 Completing the MyPlanner to identify future courses required for graduation
 Using Schedule Planner
 Access and utilize your Academic Requirement Report (ARR) in MyNevada to monitor degree
progress
 On-line General Catalog
 On-line Course Schedule
 College of Science website
 Your academic department’s website
 Academic Central website
o Campus resources for success:
 Math Center, Writing Center, and CHEM Help Center
 Tutoring Center
 Counseling Center
 Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships
 Knowledge Center
o College of Science Dean’s List criteria
o University’s Academic Probation policy
Additional expectations for 2nd Year Students:
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Ensure that lower Core Curriculum requirements are completed by the end of the 2nd year
Continue to utilize MyPlanner to plan future courses in consultation with your advisor
Join and get involved in at least 1 or 2 student clubs or organizations
Develop a resume
o Reminder: COS Professional & Graduate School Advisor Pat Wilson offers a seminar on “Writing Your Resume”
each semester
Explore research and internship opportunities in your academic department, at the university, or in the community
Explore studying abroad opportunities through USAC
Research career options in your chosen major
Attend a seminar or presentation, such as:
o College of Science Professional and Graduate School seminars
o Departmental seminars
o Discover Science seminars
Additional expectations for 3rd Year Students:
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Be knowledgeable on how to access and utilize your Academic Requirement Report (ARR) in MyNevada to monitor degree
progress AND review it at least once a semester for accuracy
If you have earned 60 credits or more and are in good academic standing (UNR cumulative GPA 2.0 or higher) - contact
your faculty advisor and follow up with Admissions & Records (A&R), if there any errors or inaccuracies in your Academic
Requirement Report (ARR)
Continue to utilize MyPlanner to plan future courses in consultation with your advisor
Visit or review the graduate programs that are of interest
Participate in at least one or more of the following:
o Community Service
o Research
o Internship
o Club/student organization leadership
o Peer leadership, such as SCI 499
o Study Abroad with USAC
Update your resume
o Reminder: Set up an appointment with College of Science Professional & Graduate School advisor, Pat Wilson, to have
you resume reviewed
Review requirements for graduation school admissions
Begin to prepare for and plan to take any required standardized tests for graduate school
Attend the Professional and Graduate school fair during the Fall semester at the Joe
Identify faculty to request letters of recommendation
o Request letters from faculty at least 4-6 weeks in advance
o Include a resume or letter of intent to assist the faculty member writing the letter
Become familiar with how to identify Graduation Application deadlines for each term
Additional expectations for 4th Year Students:
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Enroll in and complete major and general capstone courses
If necessary, retake any required standardized test for graduate school
Make sure you have submitted graduate school application materials by the appropriate deadlines identified by each
program and/or institution
Continue extracurricular activities such as:
o Community Service
o Research
o Internship
o Club/student organization leadership
o Peer leadership in the college or in your department
Review your Academic Requirements Report (ARR) in MyNevada prior to your final semester to verify completion of all
degree requirements
Consult with your advisor regarding anticipated completion term for graduation
Be knowledge about Graduation Application deadlines for each term:
o May (Spring) Graduation – March 1st
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o August (Summer) Graduation – June 1st
o December (Fall) Graduation – October 1st
Apply for graduation in MyNevada for the term you will have completed all requirements
o Reminder: Your graduation status in MyNevada must indicate “Eligible for Graduation”; otherwise, go directly to
Admissions & Records to apply for graduation
o Visit http://www.unr.edu/mynevadahelp/studentcenter/academicprogress/graduationapplication to view
instructions on how to apply for graduation
Understand the difference between “Applying for Graduation” and ”Participating in Commencement “
o Apply for Graduation in MyNevada ONLY if you will have completed all requirements for the term/year you are
applying
o Participating in Commencement – if you are within 12 credits of graduation (completing all requirements), you can
participate in commencement by completing and submitting an “Application to Participate in Commencement before
Graduation Term” form to the Admissions & Records office - the form can be downloaded from the Academic Central’s
Forms webpage (www.unr.edu/academic-central/forms-and-policies/forms)
Make sure to send all transfer work transcripts to Admissions & Records by the identified deadline