Academic Advising

Regular academic advising is essential to student success and designed to teach students how to navigate through the academic requirements for the individual degrees and the University, so they may achieve their academic and career goals.

Advising is mandatory for incoming and transfer freshmen for the first two semesters at UH Hilo. Freshmen are assigned to a professional advisor in the UH Hilo Advising Center with whom they will meet at least twice a semester to discuss transition to major exploration, academic requirements and regulations, course registration, and transition to college.

Non-freshmen are advised by faculty advisors. Faculty advisors are specialists in their subjects and in major requirements. They have important information about related graduate programs and employment opportunities in their disciplines. Faculty advisors can provide guidance on academic requirements as it relates to students' academic goals.

Students who do not have a declared major are designated as “General/Undeclared" and assigned to a professional advisor in the Advising Center. Advisors will assist exploratory students with designing a program of study to meet the General Education requirements, while providing information about possible major fields and academic regulations. General/Undeclared students must declare a major by the attainment of 60 credits.

Advising is a shared responsibility, but students have final responsibility for meeting degree requirements. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor at least once a semester to decide on courses, ensure academic progress toward graduation, and discuss career options and other educational opportunities provided by UH Hilo.