Intro. to Advising for New Students

General Course Planning

Your Academic Advisor is your primary contact during NSOT

• Course planning
• Degree requirements
• General Education requirements
• Academic policies, forms, and petitions
• Options when you are struggling academically or personally

Your academic advisor is your first point of contact for questions about University and CICS policy, curriculum, general education requirements, and where to go for services around the university. They can also point you to the best resources for any challenges you might be facing, whether it is illness, stress, trouble with coursework, or anything else that may be affecting you. Please be proactive in seeking our help and informing us of any issues affecting your class performance: the sooner you let us know, the better the chances that our help will make a difference!

We cannot do some things: While we provide information on required courses for each CICS program, we cannot pick your classes for you. We can tell you which General Education Requirements you must fulfill and show you how to search for them, but we will not tell you which General Education course to take. We expect you to search for and select classes on your own.

A CICS Peer Advisor

For walk in advising on general questions about your classes or your major, CICS Peer Advisors for the CS and Informatics programs are available. Walk in to see them!

Course Content

Course-Specific Teaching Assistants and Undergraduate Course Assistants

CICS courses have well-trained Undergraduate Course Assistants (UCAs) as your first stop for course questions. Teaching Assistants (TAs) answer course questions and provide additional assistance. If you are struggling in a course, please consider asking your UCA or TA for help.

Course Instructor:

For challenges with specific course content/assignments

Faculty have office hours set aside for student meetings. These will usually be listed on syllabi and available by calling academic departments. Each faculty member will have preferences regarding scheduling an appointment during these times; if you are uncertain you can email to request an appointment or to see if appointments are on a walk-in basis.

Before visiting office hours, think through the type of help you would like. Make every effort to complete homework and read assignments before seeking assistance, and compile specific questions for the instructor to make your meeting as productive as possible.

Finances, Transcripts, and Paying Your Bill

Paying Your Bill: Bursar's Office
Financial Aid: Financial Aid Office
Transcripts/Transfer Credits/Academic Calendar: Registrar

Emergencies, Withdrawals, and Hardships 

For assistance with severe or emergency academic situations, see your assigned advisor first. You may be referred to the CICS Academic Dean (Jack Wileden).

Note: In a true emergency, please call 911 or the UMass Amherst Police at (413) 545-3111.