What is Mandatory Advising?

Academic advising at UH Mānoa reflects the university’s educational mission, helping students navigate their academic and personal journeys with intentionality and purpose. It emphasizes critical thinking, decision-making, and active engagement in both the higher education and global communities.

Mandatory advising is a structured process designed to support students during pivotal stages of their academic journey. Exploratory students are required to meet with an advisor every fall and spring semester during their first two years, as well as in their senior year if they remain in an exploratory pathway, in alignment with Undergraduate Education Policy 5.303.

Advising sessions are likened to navigating a long voyage, providing students with direction, course corrections, and preparation for future challenges. These meetings aim to build students’ confidence, maintain focus on their goals, and foster a sense of purpose that contributes to academic success and personal growth. Advising transcends course selection, offering a partnership that promotes balance, thoughtful planning, and holistic development.

Who is required to complete Mandatory Advising?

The following groups of students are required to complete an option for mandatory advising:

• Freshmen (0 – 29.99 earned credits)
• Sophomores (30 – 59.99 earned credits)
• Seniors (90+ earned credits)
• Transfer students in their first semester
• Students with below a 2.00 GPA

The Value of Mandatory Advising

Staying on Course Toward Graduation

Advisors help students create an academic roadmap, guiding them through degree requirements and helping them avoid unnecessary detours. This intentional planning ensures students make steady progress toward graduation without delays.

Navigating Transitions Smoothly

Just like skilled navigators adjust to changing winds and currents, students benefit from expert guidance during key transitions—whether choosing a major, changing academic paths, or preparing for internships and careers.

Balancing Academics and Life

Success comes from maintaining harmony between academics, personal responsibilities, work, and well-being. Advisors work with students to foster this balance, ensuring they grow not just academically but holistically.

Exploring Opportunities and Growing

Advising sessions encourage students to seek meaningful experiences, such as research, leadership, service-learning, or study-away programs, enriching their academic journey and personal development.

Build a Network for Success

Regular meetings create a personal connection between students and advisors. These connections provide not only academic guidance but also emotional support, making students feel connected and cared for as they navigate challenges along the way.

Planning with Purpose for the Future

Advisors help students focus on both short-term goals and the bigger picture, aligning their coursework with future aspirations. Like a navigator guided by the stars, students learn to chart their path intentionally, setting clear goals for life after graduation.

Mandatory advising at Mānoa Advising Center (MAC) emphasizes kuleana—responsibility—encouraging thoughtful actions and empowering students to explore their passions, stay on track for graduation, and achieve their goals with purpose.

How Does Mandatory Advising Work?

1. Scheduling an Appointment
   1. Every semester, Exploratory Program students are reminded of their mandatory advising requirements via email to their @hawaii.edu account.
   2. Advising periods follow these timelines:
      1. Fall Semesters: Advising begins in late September and ends approximately two weeks before the start of Spring registration (typically mid-November).
      2. Spring Semesters: Advising begins in early February and ends approximately two weeks before the start of Fall registration (typically mid-April).
   3. Appointments can be scheduled through STAR Balance, the university’s advising platform.
   4. Flexible options are available, including in-person or virtual meetings.
2. Registration Hold System
   1. A registration hold is placed on your account until you complete your advising session.
   2. What the hold affects:
      1. You cannot register for new courses until the session is completed.
   3. What the hold does NOT affect:
      1. Access to meal plans, transcripts, the Warrior Recreation Center, or enrollment at other UH campuses remains unaffected.
3. What Happens During the Session?
   1. Course Planning: Advisors review your academic progress, suggest courses that meet general education and major exploration requirements, and help you create a semester plan.
   2. Exploring Majors: Discuss potential majors, minors, or certificate programs based on your interests and strengths.
   3. Resource Referrals: Connect with campus resources, such as tutoring, career services, or internships, to enhance your academic and personal growth.
   4. Long-Term Goal Setting: Sessions focus on aligning your academic path with future aspirations, such as graduate school or career goals.
4. Importance of Meeting with Your Advisor Early
   1. Scheduling your advising session early in the semester helps you avoid the rush, giving you plenty of time to discuss your options thoroughly. Meeting early also ensures your registration hold is removed well before course registration opens.

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REVIEW THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO YOU BASED ON YOUR ACADEMIC STANDING