Advising

Academic Advising Resources

A hand holds a pen over several index cards with names of majors on them.

Undergraduate Advising

Helpful resources to help navigate your path to a bachelor's degree at PSU!

Find an Advisor
Keep on Track
Understand Your Requirements
Randi Harris

THE AVP OF ACADEMIC ADVISING ANNOUNCED

The Search Committee has successfully completed the internal search for the next AVP of Academic Advising.  Dr Randi Petrauskas Harris will begin on April 1st.  Randi currently directs the Transfer and Returning Students Resource Center and has been a member of the Advising and Career Services leadership team

Read About Randi

What to expect from your advisor:

Academic and career advisors understand what will help students be successful throughout their academic experiences at PSU. Your advisor can help you:

  • Understand your graduation requirements and create a degree plan 
  • Access financial tools and resources and direct you to financial support services
  • Confirm your major choice and/or help you identify a major that suits your skills, values, interests, and goals 
  • Explore careers (before you reach 90 credits, or during the first term, if you are a transfer student)
  • Review your final graduation plan and apply for your degree

Advising Requirements

You are required to meet with your advisor at various points during your time at Portland State: New Student Orientation, during your first-year, when declaring your major, and before applying to graduate:

Complete your New Student Orientation

In order to register for your first term's classes, you must participate in a New Student Orientation. This is required for all new students, both freshmen and transfers. See the Orientation website for dates and details. Advisors will provide you with the information you need to register for classes during the Orientation, but you are welcome to also schedule an appointment for more in-depth help. 

Learn About Orientation

Meet with your advisor in your first two terms

You are required to meet with your assigned advisor during the first two terms of your first year. After that, meet with them at least once a year to make sure you are continuing to make progress towards your degree. If there is no record that you met with your advisor, a hold will be placed on your account, and you will not be able to register for your third term.

Understand First-Year Advising

Declare your major before you are a junior

If you are unsure of your major, enter the university as "exploratory" and select a Pathway based on your interests. You must declare your major by 90 credits (or within your first term if transferring with 90 or more credits). Your advisor can help you explore your options.

Declare your major

Apply for your degree at least two terms prior to graduation

You must apply for your degree in your student account at least two terms prior to completing your requirements. Be sure to check in with your advisor as you approach your final year to confirm if you are taking the right classes for your degree.

Apply for your degree

Advising Information for...

Prospective transfers

Are you planning to transfer to PSU? Did you know more students transfer to Portland State than any other university in Oregon? Advisors can help you prepare before you get here and choose courses that will apply to your degree.

New PSU students

We are glad you have chosen Portland State! Whether you are transferring from another university, entering PSU after high school, or returning to college after an absence, advisors can help you transition to the PSU community. Your first year will be a critical time to connect with them.

Postbac/Graduate students

Graduation requirements for postbaccalaureate and graduate students are different than for those earning their first bachelor's degree, and advising operates differently as well. We can help you make those connections.

Online students

If you plan to pursue your degree online, your bachelor's degree requirements will be the same as if you were completing it in person. Not all programs can be completed online; you should consult with your advisor about your options.

Returning students

A returning student is someone who started a degree program at PSU or another institution and has taken a break in their education. Let us help you finish your degree!

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