Undergraduate Academic Advising Information

Advising in your Major

If you have a declared major, you will be assigned an advisor who specializes in that academic department. Major advisors will guide you toward academically relevant experiences such as research, study abroad, and/or cocurricular activities.

Please contact your academic advisor or the department of your major directly to inquire about setting up an appointment.

Undeclared Advising

As an undeclared student at Boston University, you have yet to decide on a major to pursue – and that’s okay! Boston University’s College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) offers many undergraduate major options, so we applaud your wisdom and thoughtfulness in taking the time to explore different academic pathways and gathering more information before making a decision.

Please follow the instructions below to schedule an Undeclared Advising Appointment:

• Log into Handshake using your BU credentials.
• From the Career Center drop-down menu, select “Appointments.”
• Select “Schedule New Appointment” then choose the “CAS Academic Advising” Category.
• Choose the “CAS Undeclared Advising” Appointment Type, and then choose a date and time that is available with your assigned advisor’s name only.

General Advising

Any CAS undergraduate with a class year of sophomore or higher may make an appointment to talk to a “generalist” advisor to answer questions regarding:

• CAS Policy and Procedure
• External credits and the transfer credit process
• General education requirements
• Dual Degree Program overview
• How to use and understand your degree advice or “What if” report when thinking about adding a major or minor
• Academic standing or academic concern

Please follow the directions below to schedule a General Advising Appointment:

1. Log in to Handshake using your BU credentials.
2. From the Career Center drop-down menu, select “Appointments.”
3. Select “Schedule New Appointment” then choose the “CAS Academic Advising” Category.
4. Choose the “CAS General Advising” Appointment Type, and then choose a date and time that is available that works for you.

First-Year Advising

All incoming freshmen CAS Students will be assigned a First-Year Academic Advisor.  This advisor may be from your major’s academic department or a professional advisor in College of Arts & Sciences Advising.  You will be contacted by this advisor to initiate your registration with the College during your first summer or semester with us, and they will also be assigned in your Student Link.

First Year Academic Advisors help students learn to make the most of their college years, not merely by completing requirements toward a degree but also by growing intellectually and developing all aspects of their identity.  These First Year Advisors serve a critical role in the transition and success of first year students. The advising relationship first-year students have with this advisor is a key factor in the College’s ability to help students persist to the sophomore year. 

Please contact your academic advisor directly to inquire about setting up an appointment.

Graduation Advising

Graduation advising begins once a student submits the Intent to Graduate Form (also found on the CAS Forms and Procedures page). Ideally, a student is able to submit this form one calendar year before their intended graduation date. Once CAS Advising receives this form, the student is assigned a graduation advisor from CAS Advising, who will continue to work with the student in their final year as a BU undergraduate student to ensure that all degree requirements are met, and a feasible degree completion plan is in place. Boston University has three graduation cycles in which University degrees are conferred: May, August, and January. Students must have all course and credit requirements complete prior to each graduation cycle in order to officially graduate. Students graduating in January and August are eligible to participate in the May graduation ceremony of the same calendar year as their official graduation date.

Follow the instructions below to schedule a Graduation Advising Appointment:

1. Log into Handshake using your BU credentials.
2. From the Career Center drop-down menu, select “Appointments.”
3. Select “Schedule New Appointment” then choose the “CAS Academic Advising” Category.
4. Choose the “CAS Graduation Advising” Appointment Type, and then choose a date and time that is available with your assigned advisor’s name only.

If you make an appointment with the incorrect Graduation Advisor, your appointment may be canceled.  Make sure to look for your advisor’s name when viewing the available dates and times.  If you don’t find availability for your assigned advisor, email them directly to let them know so that an alternative meeting time may be arranged.

Drop-In Advising is available during the fall and spring semesters on weekdays from 1:00pm-4:00pm when classes are in session. 

Mondays:        Virtual Drop-Ins via Zoom here

Tuesdays:        Virtual Drop-Ins via Zoom here

Wednesdays:  Virtual Drop-Ins via Zoom here  AND
                              In-Person Drop-Ins at 100 Bay State Rd. Room 401

Thursdays:       In-Person Drop-Ins at 100 Bay State Rd. Room 401

Fridays:           In-Person Drop-Ins at 100 Bay State Rd. Room 401

Drop-In Advising is available to any CAS undergraduate student.  When you utilize Drop-in Advising, you will meet with an Academic Advisor from CAS Advising regarding a brief question. A Drop-in meeting is not meant to last more than 10 minutes.  If you think you may need more than 10 minutes to get your questions answered, please schedule an advising appointment with your academic advisor.

Common Drop-in Advising questions may be about:

• Non-Major Graduation Requirements
• University Policy & Procedures
• Transfer Credit Process
• Procedure to add or drop courses
• Schedule adjustments for the current semester
• If you have an issue and aren’t sure where to go for support/consultation
• Designating a course Pass/Fail (please use virtual drop-ins)

Drop-in Advising is NOT for:

• Long-term Hub or major planning
• Planning for adding a second major, a minor, or the Dual Degree Program
• Study Abroad inquiries

If you are not sure if your inquiry would be appropriate for Drop-in Advising, contact casadv@bu.edu and we will guide you on the best action to take and with whom you should speak regarding your question(s).