Advising Information for Students
Academic Advising
At MSU-Northern, our faculty advisors provide a holistic, trustworthy, and accurate advising experience that leverages technology so that students and advisors have the capacity to connect and collaboratively develop and achieve student goals. Advising is not just about registering for classes; it is guiding students toward meaningful progress and professional and personal growth.
Advisor and Advisee Responsibilities
Advisors will:
- Be knowledgeable about college programs, policies, and procedures
- Encourage and guide students to define and develop realistic educational goals
- Provide guidance regarding advisees' progress toward their degree
- Listen carefully to questions, concerns, and confusions
- Listen and respect students as individuals with unique needs, abilities, and interests
- Provide students with accurate information and follow-up if any questions are left unanswered
Advisees will:
- Become knowledgeable about college programs, policies, and procedures
- Make appointments with their academic advisor for registration every semester
- Monitor their own academic progress and arrive prepared for advising appointments
- Accept responsibility for academic decisions and performance; accept the challenge that college coursework provides
- Listen to and respect the advisor as a professional who has their best interest in mind
Frequently Asked Questions
New Students: Please contact Admissions at (406) 265-3704 or admissions@msun.edu with questions.
Current Students: Your advisor’s name and contact information can be found in your student profile in NorthNav. (There is also a NorthNav app.)
New Students: Sign up for one of our upcoming registration events (SOAR link) or call Admissions at 406-265-3704 to schedule a registration appointment.
Current Students: There are designated times for registration for the upcoming semester. Refer to the Academic Calendar (link) to find the start date for registration, or contact your advisor to set up an advising appointment.
Your advisor will help you decide which classes you should take in order to stay on track for graduation. You should review the required courses for your program on the appropriate academic map. You can also visit your academic program webpage for a direct link to your academic map.
You should plan to take at least 15 credits per semester, which is the number of credits you need each semester to graduate on time.
You can take fewer credits and still receive some scholarships and funding. However, unless you take 15 credits per semester (or 30 per year), it could take an extra year or more in order to graduate. Know your program schedule, and meet with your advisor to map out a plan to earn your degree on time.
You will meet with your advisor at least once per semester to check in and plan your schedule for the next semester. But your advisor is there for you anytime to visit about your classes, grades, academic progress, plans after graduation, or anything else you need to discuss. Your advisor is a great resource and is ready to help!
Before dropping a class, you should discuss the decision with your advisor and with the Financial Aid Office. When you drop a class, you could be putting your financial aid, scholarships, athletic eligibility, and graduation timeline in jeopardy. If you cannot reach your advisor, please visit the Registrar’s Office prior to dropping the course
If you are an international student, athlete, or a student utilizing veteran benefits, please double check your specific eligibility rules as well before dropping or withdrawing.
The sooner, the better! Declaring a major provides an academic map to graduation. Declaring your major late or changing your major could change your graduation timeline significantly.
Montana State University-Northern defines seven (7) categories within the general education core. Students pursuing a BS, BA, AS, or AA must complete this core.
If you have completed an AS or AA at another Montana college or university, you have completed your general education core.
CAS and AAS degrees do not require the entire core.
You must request that your official transcripts be sent to:
or
MSUN Registrar
PO Box 7751
Havre MT 59501
The Registrar’s Office will evaluate your general education credits for transfer, and your academic program advisor will determine what courses count toward your academic program courses.
New Students: Please contact Admissions at (406) 265-3704 or admissions@msun.edu with questions.
Current Students: Please contact the Registrar at (406) 265-3703 or registrar@msun.edu with questions.