How to Schedule and Prepare for a UC Davis Advisor Appointment

What to expect when you book an appointment with a UC Davis academic advisor

UC Davis academic advisors meet with students one-on-one to discuss course selection, degree progress, major requirements, and academic planning. Most appointments happen in person at the Student Advising Center or in your college's advising office, though some advisors also offer video or phone meetings. The appointment typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes, and you'll talk through your specific situation rather than sit through a group presentation.

The process starts with scheduling through your college's advising system or by contacting the office directly. You'll need to know which college you're in—Engineering, Letters and Science, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, or one of the others—because each has its own advising office and scheduling system. Bring your student ID and any questions you've written down beforehand, because advisors work through a queue and time fills quickly during peak periods like course registration.

Key Takeaways

• UC Davis advisors are assigned by college, so you schedule through your specific college's advising office, not a central phone line.
• Most appointments are 20 to 30 minutes long and cover course selection, degree requirements, and academic planning for your specific major.
• You can schedule online through your college's system, by phone, or sometimes by email, depending on which college you're in.
• Bring your student ID, a list of questions, and any documents related to your academic situation—transfer credits, prerequisite questions, or major change paperwork.
• Peak scheduling times are before course registration periods and at the start of each term, so booking early gives you more time slot options.

How to find your college's advising office and scheduling system

Your college determines where you schedule. UC Davis has six colleges: Letters and Science, Engineering, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, Graduate Studies, and the School of Medicine. If you're undeclared, you'll work with the College of Letters and Science advising office until you choose a major.

The fastest way to find your advising office is to log into your student portal (using your UC Davis login) and look for the advising section, which usually lists your assigned advisor by name and office location. You can also call your college's main number and ask for the advising office directly. Each college posts its advising hours and scheduling instructions on its website—some use an online calendar system where you pick your own time slot, while others ask you to call or email to book.

If you can't find your college's advising information, the Student Advising Center in the Student Services Building can point you to the right office. They don't schedule all appointments, but they know the system and can tell you exactly where to go.

What documents and information to bring

Bring your student ID and have your student ID number ready when you call or book online. If you're discussing a specific topic—changing your major, adding a minor, or addressing a prerequisite issue—bring any related paperwork. Transfer students should have their official transcripts available (or know where to find them in your student portal), because advisors often need to review which credits transferred and how they count toward your degree.

Write down your questions before the appointment. Advisors see many students in a day, and having a list keeps the conversation focused and makes sure you don't forget what you came to ask. If you're planning your course schedule, have your current transcript open so you can talk through what you've already taken and what comes next.

If you're meeting about a hold on your account, a grade issue, or a registration problem, bring any emails or notices you've received about it. Advisors can often resolve these on the spot if they have the full picture.

Scheduling during peak times and registration periods

The busiest times to schedule are the weeks before course registration opens each term and the first two weeks of the quarter. If you need an appointment during these periods, book as soon as scheduling opens—sometimes weeks in advance. Many colleges open their registration appointment slots 30 to 45 days before the registration window, so check your college's website or student portal for the exact date.

If you can't get an appointment during peak times, ask if your advisor offers drop-in hours or if you can schedule a phone or video call instead. Some colleges also offer group advising sessions on specific topics like course selection or major requirements, which can answer common questions without a one-on-one slot.

If you miss your appointment or need to reschedule, contact your advising office as soon as you know. Cancelling with notice frees up the slot for another student and keeps your relationship with your advisor on good footing.

What happens during the appointment

Your advisor will ask about your major, your academic goals, and what brought you in. If you're planning your next quarter's courses, they'll review your degree requirements, talk through prerequisites, and help you build a schedule that works for your situation. If you're changing majors or adding a minor, they'll explain the new requirements and map out how your existing credits count.

Advisors can also discuss academic standing, probation, or grade replacement options if those apply to you. They can't change your grades or override registration holds, but they can explain what happened and point you to the right office to resolve it. If your issue needs someone else's decision—like a dean or the registrar—your advisor will tell you who to contact and sometimes can make a referral on your behalf.

Take notes during the appointment, especially about course numbers, deadlines, or next steps. Advisors often send a summary email afterward, but having your own notes helps you remember what you decided.

After your appointment: following up and staying on track

If your advisor said they'd send you information or make a referral, follow up within a week if you don't hear back. If they gave you a deadline—like a form to submit or a course to register for—mark it in your calendar and do it before the deadline passes. Advisors can't chase you down, but they're there if you have questions about what they told you.

If you need ongoing support—like checking in before each term's registration or working through a complex major change—ask your advisor about scheduling regular appointments. Some students book quarterly check-ins, especially if they're on probation or working toward a specific goal like a double major.

Keep your advisor's contact information saved. You'll likely work with the same person throughout your time at UC Davis, and having their email or phone number makes it easy to reach out when you have questions between appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch advisors if I don't connect with mine?

Yes. Contact your college's advising office and ask to be reassigned. You don't need a reason, and advisors understand that fit matters. The office will match you with another advisor in your college.

What if I need an appointment but my college's office is closed?

Check your college's website for after-hours options—some offer email advising or a callback system. The Student Advising Center may also have walk-in hours or be able to connect you with an advisor from another college who can answer general questions.

Do I need an appointment to ask a quick question, or can I just email?

Most advisors accept quick questions by email and will respond within a business day or two. If your question is complex or you need to discuss multiple topics, an appointment is more efficient because you get their full attention.

What if I'm a transfer student and my credits didn't transfer the way I expected?

Bring your official transcripts and the transfer credit evaluation you received from UC Davis. Your advisor can review how each course counts (or doesn't) toward your degree and can sometimes request a reevaluation if there's an error.

Can my advisor help me if I'm on academic probation?

Yes. Your advisor can explain what probation means, review your grades, discuss course selection to help you improve, and connect you with tutoring or other support services. They can't remove you from probation, but they can help you understand the path forward.