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California State University, Chico

Academic Advising

Academic advising at Chico State connects you with the right people at the right time. Whether you're exploring majors or planning to graduate, you'll find friendly, knowledgeable support across campus to help you stay on track and reach your goals.

Plan Your Academic Path with Confidence

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own—we’re here to help. At Chico State, advising is a team effort. You might work with more than one advisor during your time here, and that’s a good thing.

Academic Advisors are here to help you navigate Chico State’s academic programs, policies, and resources. Each advisor has a specialty area and will play a unique role in helping you plan your path, make informed decisions, and connect your academic choices to your long-term goals. From choosing your first classes to preparing for graduation, we’re with you every step of the way.

A student sits at a table helping a fellow Wildcat working on a laptop.
Start Strong with Support

General Education

General Education (GE) is your chance to explore the world through a variety of subjects while connecting with peers in a shared learning experience. All undergraduate students complete GE, and academic advisors across campus are here to help you understand your options and plan your path.

A student receives one on one tutoring from a faculty member
Exploring Your Options

Undeclared Students

It’s normal to be unsure about your major. If you haven’t declared one yet, we’ll help you explore your interests, identify your strengths, and connect majors to possible careers. You’re not behind—you’re building a strong foundation.

College Success Centers

Each academic college has its own student advising and success center, offering peer mentoring, major-specific and GE advising, tutoring, and academic support. These centers are a great place to build connections, ask questions, and find personalized help in your field.

Program Advising for Declared Students

You will work with an academic advisor for each program (e.g. major, minor, etc.) you declare. These advisors help you understand program requirements, stay on track for graduation, and plan for internships, research, or grad school.

Use the directory below to find your advisor by college:

Student Success Studio Humanities and Fine Arts
Ensuring Your Credits Count

Graduation and Transfer Credit Review

If you’ve transferred credit from another institution, plan to study abroad, or are preparing to graduate, specialists can help make sure your credits count and your GE and program requirements are complete—so you can stay on track toward earning your degree.

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Advising for Advanced Programs

Graduate and Credential Advising

Graduate and credential students receive program-specific advising through their academic program. Program coordinators can help with planning coursework, navigating program requirements, and preparing for the next stage of your career.

Quick Help for Common Advising Questions

Whether you’re scheduling your first appointment or thinking about switching majors, we’ve got answers. These common questions can help you understand what to expect—and who to talk to.

Your academic advisor is based upon your program declarations. You will have an advisor for each program (major, minor, certificate, credential, etc.) that you declare. Your advisor is typically assigned in your Student Center.

Check the Program Advisor Directory to find your major advisor or contact Academic Advising Programs for help.

You can drop by Academic Advising in Student Services Center 220 or contact us by phone at 530-898-5712 or email at chicoadvisor@csuchico.edu.

Students are encouraged to meet with an advisor at least once per semester, prior to registering for their next semester. However, you are welcome to meet with advisors more frequently if you have additional support needs.

Yes, most students will work with a variety of advisors during their time at Chico State as each advisor specializes on advising for specific programs and/or policies. You should seek advising with your major advisor first, as your major courses will typically take priority in your scheduling and planning. Students should then follow up with an advisor who specializes in General Education (GE) as needed.

If you are considering changing your major, there are a few different advising resources depending on what stage you’re in:

  • If you’re exploring different majors or thinking about possible career directions, reach out to Academic Advising Programs or the Career Center. They can help you think through possibilities aligned with your values, skills, and interests.

  • If you’ve already picked a new major or program, it’s best to connect with that program’s College Success Center or directly with a program advisor to talk through next steps.

Advising is just one part of the support network available to help you succeed. Whether you’re looking for tutoring, tech help, or someone to talk to, the Student Resources and Services site connects you with offices that support your academic journey—and beyond.