How to Schedule and Prepare for a UNLV Advising Appointment

What a UNLV advising appointment covers and how to book one

A UNLV advising appointment is a one-on-one meeting with an academic advisor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Your advisor helps you choose courses, understand degree requirements, plan your schedule, and work through academic problems. Most appointments last 20 to 30 minutes and happen either in person at the Student Services Center or online via Zoom.

To book an appointment, log into your UNLV student portal and navigate to the advising section, or visit the College of your major directly—each college (Engineering, Business, Liberal Arts, Sciences, etc.) manages its own scheduling. Some colleges use an online calendar where you pick an available time slot; others ask you to email your advisor or call the department. First-time students often get assigned an advisor automatically, but you can request a different one if needed.

Walk-in advising is sometimes available during posted hours, but scheduling ahead guarantees you a spot and gives your advisor time to pull your file and review your transcript before you meet.

Key Takeaways

• Book through your UNLV student portal or directly with your college's advising office—the method varies by college.
• Bring your unofficial transcript, a list of courses you are considering, and any questions about degree requirements or major changes.
• Advising appointments typically run 20 to 30 minutes and can happen in person or online.
• If you cannot make your appointment, cancel at least 24 hours ahead so the slot opens for another student.
• Your advisor can discuss course selection, graduation timelines, major or minor changes, and academic standing issues.

Where to find your college's advising office and hours

Each UNLV college has its own advising center. The main Student Services Center is located in the Lied Library building and handles general advising, but your college-specific office is usually faster because advisors there know your major's exact requirements.

To find your college's location and hours, log into your student portal, search "UNLV [Your College Name] advising," or call the main advising line at 702-895-3656. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, with some offering evening or Saturday slots during peak registration periods. Hours change during summer and winter breaks, so check ahead before you go.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring your student ID and have your unofficial transcript ready—you can pull this from your student portal in seconds. Write down the courses you are thinking about taking, or bring a screenshot of the course list from the UNLV course catalog. If you are changing majors, considering a minor, or worried about your GPA, mention that when you book so your advisor can prepare.

Think through your questions beforehand. Common topics include which courses satisfy general education requirements, whether a course counts toward your major, how many credits you need to graduate, and what happens if you fail or retake a course. If you are struggling academically or facing a hold on your account, bring any relevant paperwork or emails from the university.

If you are meeting online, test your internet connection and camera before the appointment time. Join the Zoom link a few minutes early.

What happens during the appointment

Your advisor will review your transcript, confirm your major and any minors, and discuss your academic progress. They will answer questions about course requirements, prerequisites, and scheduling. If you are on track to graduate, they can help you plan your final semesters. If you are behind or struggling, they can discuss options like course load adjustments, tutoring resources, or academic probation procedures.

Advisors cannot change your grades or override course prerequisites, but they can petition for exceptions in some cases and will explain the process. They also connect you with other campus resources—disability services, mental health counseling, financial aid, tutoring—if you need them.

At the end of the appointment, your advisor usually sends you a summary email with notes about what you discussed and any action items. Keep this email for your records.

How to reschedule or cancel

If you need to reschedule, log back into the portal and change your appointment time, or contact your college's advising office directly. Canceling at least 24 hours ahead is standard courtesy and keeps the slot open for another student. If you miss an appointment without canceling, some advisors may note it in your file or require you to reschedule through the office rather than the portal.

If an emergency comes up and you cannot cancel in time, email or call your advisor as soon as you can. Most advisors are understanding about genuine conflicts, especially if you reach out before the appointment time.

When to schedule a follow-up appointment

One advising appointment is usually enough to answer immediate questions, but you may want to schedule another if you are changing majors, facing academic probation, or planning a semester far in advance. Many students meet with their advisor once per year at minimum, and more often during their first year or when making big decisions.

If your advisor suggests a follow-up—for example, to check in after you register for courses or to review your progress mid-semester—book it before you leave or do it within a week. Waiting until the last minute before registration or graduation can mean longer wait times.

What to do if you cannot reach your advisor

If your assigned advisor is unavailable or not responding, contact the main advising office or your college's front desk and ask to speak with a different advisor. Any advisor in your college can answer most questions, and they have access to your file. During busy periods like registration, you may wait longer for an appointment, but the office can usually fit you in within a few days.

If you are a first-year student and have not been assigned an advisor yet, go to the Student Services Center or your college's advising office in person and ask. They will assign one on the spot or let you book an appointment with the next available advisor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I meet with an advisor from a different college?

Advisors are trained specifically for their college's degree requirements, so it is best to meet with someone in your major's college. If your assigned advisor is unavailable, any advisor in that college can help. If you are undecided about your major, the Student Services Center has advisors who work with exploratory students.

What if I want to change my major?

Tell your current advisor or visit your new major's advising office. They will review your transcript, show you which credits transfer toward the new degree, and help you plan the remaining courses. Changing majors can delay graduation, so meeting with an advisor before you switch is worth the time.

Do I have to meet in person, or can I do it all online?

Most UNLV advisors offer both in-person and Zoom appointments. When you book, you can usually choose which format you prefer. Online meetings work well for quick questions; in-person meetings can be helpful if you want to review your transcript together on a screen or discuss complex degree plans.

What if I have a hold on my account?

Holds can prevent registration, so contact the office that placed the hold (financial aid, student conduct, library, etc.) first. Once the hold is cleared, you can meet with an advisor to register. Some advisors can explain what a hold means and which office to contact, so calling ahead is fine.

How far in advance should I book an appointment?

Book at least one week ahead during normal times. During peak registration periods (late spring and late fall), book two to three weeks ahead if you can. Walk-in advising is available at some offices if you need to meet sooner, but availability is limited.