UW Bothell Academic Advising

Academic Advising

How do I get started?

All new first year or pre-major students begin by meeting with a pre-major advisor. As you start to narrow down your choice of majors, or if you are already accepted into a major, you will work with advisors in your major or School. Other advising-related services at UW Bothell include International Student Services, Career Counseling, and staff to help you engage with rich learning opportunities in undergraduate research, community-based learning and research, and global initiatives. Your ideal educational team will include your advisor, faculty, and other university staff that want to see you succeed.

Pre-Major Advising

Our First Year Pre-Major (FYPM) advisors help students plan and shape their undergraduate career at UW Bothell, drawing from programs and opportunities across the entire university. You will primarily work with Pre-Major advisors through the Student Success Center until you declare a major. They can explain requirements and procedures and help you plan for your major. They will also help you match your own interests with opportunities at UWB, and assist you in coordinating your academic and career pathways.

In addition to general advising, Pre-Major advisors offer specialized advising services for pre-professional students, undeclared transfer students and students who are struggling academically.

Advising in the Majors

Once you are accepted into a School or Program and declare your major, you will then work with a dedicated advisor within a School. School and Program advisors, have specialized knowledge of the curriculum for your major. As you start to narrow your choice of major, you will want to meet with School and Program advisors for program planning and, in some cases, preparing your application for admission to the major. School advisors can introduce you to the opportunities available in each program, including internships, undergraduate research, scholarships, new and one-time course offerings, and special events. Once you declare a major, you will meet primarily with an advisor in that School to plan your program of classes, stay connected with your academic community, and prepare for graduation and beyond.
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For newly admitted UW Bothell students

Your Advising & Orientation date is when you will have your first opportunity to meet with an academic advisor. You may be able to schedule earlier appointments with our advisors, but attendance of the full day of your Advising and Orientation is mandatory. If you cannot come to campus for the full day on the date you selected, contact Orientation and Transition Programs to schedule another date. For quick questions regarding orientation call 425-352-5266 or send us an email.

You can start early by exploring majors, course titles and descriptions, and your own sense of purpose and interests. What excites you? What are you passionate about? And most importantly, why?! You can plan to attend one or more of the wide variety of information sessions we offer regarding UWB majors and pre-professional programs. You can also start looking through various major requirements and the Time Schedule on MyPlan. To sign up for an information session review the admissions site.

Beyond academic advising, what other types of student resources are available?

In addition to the services listed below, you can also visit the Student Success Center in UW1-160 for more student services like Study Abroad, Undergraduate Research, Veterans Services and more! For more information, stop by or call our reception desk at (425) 352-3427.