Academic Advising Programs will help you to develop and achieve your educational goals and encourage you to use the diverse resources available at California State University, Chico. Our staff will guide you to understand the opportunities and the policies and procedures related to your academic progress. We welcome all of your questions, so plan to drop in regularly.

Advisors can help you understand how to meet General Education and other graduation requirements, choose courses of interest, and select majors, minors, and other educational offerings (certificates, exchange programs, and internships). We can assist in addressing concerns about academic notice and resolve issues related to policies and procedures.

Visit Academic Advising Programs for the best year-round contact information.

Undeclared Advising

Academic Advising Programs is the advising home for undergraduate students exploring their major options and/or other potential courses of study.

If you are an undeclared student, a dedicated advisor from our office will provide focused advising to plan each semester’s courses while you explore how your interests can lead to choosing a major. You will also discover ways to create an educational experience that is uniquely yours by combining a major with a minor, a certificate program, or even "selected electives," intentional electives, and/or a variety of co-curricular learning experiences.

As an undeclared student, you are expected to meet with your dedicated advisor once per semester.

Major Advising

Chico State practices a dual advising system. Advising in your major is primarily provided by the academic department of your major field of study and the College Success Centers. Students who have declared a major are assigned advisors through their major departments and should consult with them regularly. Major advisors will work with you to determine your status toward meeting major requirements. We encourage you to develop close advising relationships with your advisors and faculty in your major department.

Whether you meet with an academic or major advisor, it is important to plan for your meeting. Review your Degree Progress Report in the Student Center within your Portal account. Make a list of your questions and concerns to make the most of your time with your advisor.

General Education Planning

While your major course of study provides deep learning and leads to expertise in a particular discipline, General Education (GE) is what creates a common intellectual experience for students in all majors, connecting knowledge across multiple academic fields, fostering an appreciation of the natural world and diverse expressions of human imagination, and developing the skills needed to build more just societies. Distinctively, the Chico State GE program offers students not only an integrated learning experience but also the opportunity to earn an interdisciplinary minor in one of 10 subjects.

Courses that satisfy General Education can vary based on your catalog year. Academic advisors can help with GE planning and course selection.

Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning and Written Communication Requirements

Please refer to Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning and Writing Requirements. Academic advisors can answer questions about appropriate course placement. If you are concerned about your ability to progress through our Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning or Written Communication requirements, help is available.

The California Promise

The California Promise Program enables a specific number of CSUs to establish pledge programs for entering first-time students who are both interested and able to complete baccalaureate degrees in four years. All CSUs have established programs for students with Associate Degrees for Transfer from any California Community College to complete their baccalaureate degrees in two years. The program is limited to students who are residents of California.

Students who commit to enter either the four-year or two-year pledge will be given a priority registration appointment for each state-supported enrollment period and will be provided with routine and thorough academic advisement. To remain in the program, students must meet with their advisors as prescribed, develop an enrollment plan, and complete 30 semester units or the quarter equivalent within each academic year, including summer. Participating CSUs may stipulate other requirements as well. Interested students entering Chico State should visit the California Promise Program website.

Withdrawing from the University

If you find it necessary to withdraw from all your classes during the first 12 weeks of the semester, initiate the process with the Office of the Registrar before meeting with an advisor in Academic Advising Programs. Academic advisors can discuss alternatives with you and explain how to apply for a Planned Educational Leave from the university. For information on the withdrawal process, see Academic Policies and Regulations Withdrawal from the University.

Academic Notice Advising

If your Chico State or cumulative grade point average falls below 2.0, you will be placed on academic notice. In this case, you should meet with your major advisor and an advisor in Academic Advising Programs within the first two weeks of the semester to make changes to your academic schedule or program. You may be able to take advantage of helpful university policies, such as repeating courses with academic forgiveness. The GPA Calculator can help you compute your grade point average and project future averages based on projected grades for the current semester.

While on academic notice, you should restrict your course load to 14 units or less each semester until you achieve clear academic standing (a minimum GPA of 2.0).

Disqualified Student Advising

If you have been academically disqualified, we encourage you to seek advice in Academic Advising Programs. We will review your academic record, explain the appeal process necessary for reinstatement to the university, and help you develop a strategy to maximize your chances of academic recovery. Academically disqualified students desiring reinstatement must file an Appeal for Reinstatement by the published deadline.