Learn about advising and preparing for advising appointments! Explore the PELP program and see how it might help or support you as a student. 

Talking to Advisors 

• Advisors are a great resource if you have any academic questions and would like some guidance. 
• Most UC Davis students are required to meet with a college advisor at least once during the year and/or complete some other combination of requirements for their college. Some are time-sensitive! Not fulfilling this requirement may result in a Registration Hold, preventing students from altering their schedule. 

Types of Advisors and How They Can Help 

1. Peer Advisors are fellow students in your department. They can assist with: 

• Scheduling 
• Registering for classes 
• Navigating online tools 
  • OASIS 
  • Schedule Builder 
  • Major Exploration
• Identifying student organizations and department clubs 

2. Dean’s Office Advisors can assist with UC Davis policies: 

• Unit caps 
• College-specific requirements
• Transfer unit eligibility (AP & IB) 
• University requirements for all majors (e.g. Writing) 
• General Education (GE) units 

3. Major Advisors are here to help you with degree progress: 

• Future course plans 
• Schedule-building 
• Major requirements 
• Double majoring and/or minoring 
• Personal fit of the major for you and your goals 
• Late action/drop requests 

You can find more info on advising by visiting your department and college's websites: 

• College of Letters and Sciences site 
• College of Biological Sciences site 
• College of Engineering site 
• College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences site 

Preparing for an Advising Appointment 

1. Schedule an appointment via the online Advising Appointment System.
2. Select your office based on your college or major/minor. 
3. Fill out any relevant worksheets (if applicable). 
4. Come with questions and keep your future goals in mind! 
5. Bring a notebook and a pen! Taking notes can be helpful. 
6. Get to your appointment early so you don’t feel rushed. 

PELP - Planned Educational Leave Program: 

• UC Davis students are allowed to take one academic break lasting 1-3 quarters as an undergraduate. 

PELP might be a good option if the student is: 

• Adapting to personal or family hardships, such as illness or loss 
• Clarifying your future goals related to your major, career, or other areas 
• Needing to save up money for your education or other costs 
• Looking for space to care for yourself or your mental health without academics 
• For more information on PELP, check the Office of the University Registrar 

Join us for a Residential Academics Program—snacks are on us! See what programs are upcoming here. 

Need more help? Visit the Academic Advising Enrichment site! Reach out to your Peer Mentor or email reshallacademics@ucdavis.edu with any Questions/Concerns. Check out who your Peer Mentor is, drop by or schedule a 1-on-1 meeting!