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Student Academic Success Center

Incoming Students FAQs

Aloha! Below are frequently asked questions for incoming students in the College of Natural Sciences.
 
If your question is not listed or you have additional questions, please contact our office at (808) 956-5911, Monday through Friday 8am-4pm (HST) or email cnsadvis@hawaii.edu
 
For important dates and deadlines visit the Current Academic Calendar.

Advising: Who is my Advisor?

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If you are a Physical Sciences major, (Astronomy, Astrophysics, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Math, Physics), you will have a college advisor and a major advisor. College Advisors will assist you with campus resources, transition to UH, general education courses, focus requirements, registration, and any other general concerns you may have.

 

Major advisors will assist you with all of your major-related courses such as what classes to take, what careers you can have with your major, as well as research and internship opportunities. 

 

If you are an ICS major, you will meet with your ICS major advisor and their advising team directly for all of your questions and concerns. 

 

Visit the Advising tab and click on the appropriate majors to view your major and college advisors. 

If you are a Life Sciences major (Biology, Botany, Marine Biology, MCB, Microbiology), you will see one advisor who serves as your college and major advisor who will help you with your courses, registration, graduation, and other concerns you may have. 

 

Visit the CNS SASC Advising Team page to see your assigned advisor.

How do I schedule an Appointment with my Advisor?

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If you are a prospective student or would like to know more about our majors, please call the CNS office a (808)956-5911 or email them at cnsadvis@hawaii.edu for more information. 

Current CNS majors are able to book via Navigate 360.

What Placement Exams should I take before registering for classes?

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Nearly every CNS undergraduate program requires chemistry and mathematics courses. Placement exams are strongly recommended and are designed to place you into the courses that will give you the foundational knowledge you need to succeed. They should be completed before the start of your first semester. 

 

Visit our Mathematics and/or Chemistry Placement page to know more. 

If you have experience in a second language, you will likely be taking a second language placement exam at some point during your college career. Ask your academic advisor when in your academic journey would be most appropriate to begin second language courses.

 

To find out more, click here. 

How do I change my major?

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If you would like to change majors within our College of Natural Sciences, you will need to complete the Major Declaration form. We suggest meeting with your major advisor before switching majors. 

If you are changing majors outside of our College of Natural Sciences, you will need to see the major advisor you are changing to in order to complete the paperwork. Visit the Mānoa Advising Guide for more information.