Welcome to the University at Buffalo! We are thrilled that you chose a major within the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Student Advisement and Services is here to help you every step to graduation.
We help undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences plan their academic path, develop goals, and provide support and recommendations to help students graduate college.
We will be reaching out to new incoming students by email and phone as you complete these steps below.
To remove your holds you'll need to have paid your tuition deposit, completed your Orientation Data Form, and submitted your medical / immunization records which may take up to 3-4 weeks to process.
Before starting your first semester at UB, here is what you need to do.
Sign-up and attend your virtual session, where you'll spend an hour with our Academic Advisors talking about:
💡Pro Tip: Work to remove all your holds, including immunization holds that may take up to 3-4 weeks to process. They will prevent you from getting your class schedule!
If you are in a major that requires calculus, you must take the MRA (Math Readiness Assessment) before your schedule can be finalized. The MRA webpage is a great resource!
Here is a video demonstration on how to sign up for the Math Readiness Assessment (MRA). Below are written instructions on how to sign-up:
Topics covered in the MRA are Math Fundamentals, Advanced Algebra, and Trigonometry and Geometry. A score of a 70 is needed in Math Fundamentals and Advanced Algebra in order to progress onto MTH121 or MTH131. A score of a 70 is needed in Math Fundamentals, Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry and Geometry in order to progress onto MTH141.
Practice assessments can be found on the Math Readiness Assessment Brightspace course page. You will be added to the Brightspace page after making your appointment for the MRA in Navigate. It may take up to a week to be added.
Once all your holds have been removed, you'll receive an email from your advisor giving you information about your major and a survey to help create your class schedule.
💡Pro Tip: The sooner you complete the survey, the quicker you can get your class schedule!
After completing the survey, you'll receive an email from your advisor with your class schedule and instructions on how to sign up for a 199 seminar (3-credit) course.
💡Pro Tip: Email your academic advisor if you have any questions about your schedule.
After completing the steps above, here are things you can do next.
Please complete the Orientation Data Form to register for orientation. If you have any questions, please contact Orientation, Transition and Parent Programs.
Once you receive your schedule, you may review your required textbooks online through the HUB Student Center. You can buy your books from the University Bookstore or other online stores.
💡Pro Tip: You may wait until you arrive to purchase their materials on campus.
Finish in 4 is a pledge by you to do what it takes to earn your degree in four years and a pledge by UB and your academic advisors to provide you with the resources needed to do that.
When the semester starts, you can get in touch with an advisor to help with:
💡Pro Tip: The drop/add period is August 20 - September 3. Sign-up for a drop-in advising appointment through Navigate to talk to your advisor about adding or dropping classes.
Check out some commonly asked questions that might help you.