Advising Center

Incoming Freshmen

Fall semester registration begins: Early May
Spring semester registration begins: Early November

Your journey is yours to determine, and advisors are here to support you in reaching your goals and realizing your potential.

Group of students in front of the Student Services Center.

Ready, Set, Go Hilo!

Registration, which involves creating your class schedule and enrolling in classes, occurs online through our registration system called STAR-GPS. STAR-GPS is an advising tool students use with their advisors throughout their academic journey. It also provides real-time information about your progress to graduation, by combining past college courses with remaining academic degree requirements.

Placement Assessments

Depending on your major, you may need placement assessments to complete prior to registering for required classes. All placements are offered online. Refer to the Placement Assessments Webpage and complete the Google Form below to identify which placement assessments you will need.

Academic Advising

At UH Hilo, admissions counselors and academic/faculty advisors provide different services:

  • Admissions Counselors can assist with admissions and enrollment questions, like Intent to Enroll, standardized test scores, and final transcripts that were part of the application process.

  • Academic Advisors will help you in choosing your classes and giving you more information about your degree requirements and campus resources. Frosh advisors will also check in on your transition during your first two semesters.

  • Faculty Advisors will assist you in navigating through major requirements and provide you with suggestions for courses, experiential learning opportunities, and can discuss career and academic plans after graduation.

Advisors sitting in front of Student Services Building.Advising Center Advisors
Left to Right: Kurt, Jodi, Comfort, Kainoa

You will be assigned to a first year academic advisor at UH Hilo who can assist you with getting acclimated to course selection and the process of registration. They can also provide you information about campus resources and opportunities to support your success.

All frosh (first time enrolled as a bachelor’s degree student, regardless of early college credits) are advised by advisors in the UH Hilo Advising Center for their first two semesters before transitioning to a faculty advisor in their major. Your acceptance letter tells you which major you’ve been accepted into. If you would like to change your major, let the Admissions Office know prior to registration. Undecided on a major? You will be assigned to an advisor at the UH Hilo Advising Center until you declare a major.

Meet with Your Advisor

In order to meet with an advisor and register for classes, you must have done the following:

Although not required, we encourage all incoming freshmen to take advantage of one of the options below. An advising appointment will allow you to ask questions and receive information specific to your situation. Group sessions are available for students who want information about advising and resources at UH Hilo. GPS Workshops will provide both group and individual advising assistance for students at select high schools.

Advising Appointment

  • Schedule your appointment at a time that works best for you in STAR Balance.
  • Available Modalities: In-Person, Zoom, or Phone

Schedule an Appointment

If you are having difficulties scheduling, please see Find Us on STAR Balance or email us at uhhadvis@hawaii.edu.

Group Advising Session for First Year Students

Group advising sessions are held via Zoom. All session times are in HST.

  • Friday, June 9, 3pm - 4pm
  • Monday, July 10, 8am - 9am
  • Friday, July 28, 2pm - 3pm

Register on STAR Balance

Group Sessions are found on the Advising Center calendar, please refer to Group Advising Sessions on STAR Balance for information on how to view our calendar

Registration is required.

If you are having difficulties registering for the group sessions, please email us at uhhadvis@hawaii.edu.

We look forward to working with you!