New Student Advising & Registration
Congratulations on joining the UIC and LAS community!
We are excited to welcome you to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. We know you are ready to take your first steps on your UIC journey and we are here to help. New Student Advising and Registration looks a little different for new first-year students and transfer students, please use the corresponding tabs below to navigate to your next steps.
Generally, New Student Advising and Registration offers:
- An introduction to a LAS academic advisor who will support you throughout your time as a LAS student
- An opportunity to better understand placement assessment results
- An opportunity to receive first semester course recommendations
- Support registering for your first semester classes (for First-Year students) or assurance that your course registrations are correct (for Transfer students)
First-Year Students Preparation Checklist
Incoming first-year students are required to attend an LAS New Student Advising and Registration program to register for courses and to have the New Student hold removed. Be sure to complete required placement assessments as soon as possible to be able to sign up for a New Student Advising and Registration program (once available). New Student Advising and Registration appointments begin in June and run through August. The earlier new students attend, the better course selection they will have. Please follow all of the steps outlined below:
1. Activate Your my.UIC.edu Portal Account and Log in
Prior to taking placement assessments or registering for classes in my.UIC.edu, you are required to activate your portal account.
First Time Users:
- Visit my.uic.edu
- Select “Activate your NetID” under the “Instructions Login” portlet
Existing Users:
- Visit my.uic.edu
- Select “Login” under the “Instructions Login” portlet
2. Take Required Placement Assessments
Placement assessments are required in certain subjects. You will be unable to register for New Student Advising and Registration without first taking placement assessments in English, Math, and for some students, Chemistry and Physics. The Chemistry placement assessment is only required if Chemistry is needed for your major or Educational Goal. The Physics placement assessment is only required for students who intend on taking calculus-based physics. The Spanish Placement is required if you plan to enroll in any Spanish course at UIC, regardless of any incoming credit. Additional placement assessment information is enclosed in the packet sent to you by the Office of Admissions.
To take the assessments:
- Log into my.uic.edu
- Select “UIC Connect” tab
- Review My Progress tasks
- Select “Determine Required Placement Assessments”
- Take time to accurately respond to questionnaire
- If required, take appropriate placement assessments
To view results, once available:
- Log into my.uic.edu
- Select “UIC Connect” tab
- Review My Progress tasks
- Select “Determine Required Placement Assessments”
- Select the “View Available Assessment Results” button
During New Student Advising and Registration, a LAS Academic Advisor will interpret and explain your placements and make course recommendations based on where you placed.
Important note about retaking the Math placement:
If you are unsatisfied with your placement score and wish to retake, you have free access to the required ALEKS Learning Module and up to four free retakes. These retakes can be attempted before the first Friday of Week 1 of the term at 5 p.m. when the placement assessment closes. Five hours of work on a learning module are required before each retake and 48 hours must pass before having access to each retake. The highest placement is MATH 180.
Important note about AP, IB, A-Level, or Dual Credit:
If you took an AP, IB, or A-level exam or have Dual Credit in some of these areas, you may have earned university credit and could take the next-level class in that discipline. Please visit catalog.uic.edu/ucat/degree-programs/academic-standing for additional information and consult a LAS academic advisor during New Student Advising and Registration regarding the appropriate course(s) to take at UIC.
It is recommended that you take the necessary placements as soon as possible.
To learn more directly from the placement website, visit here: testing.uic.edu/placement-testing/first-year-students
If you need to submit a help ticket, visit here: help.osss.uic.edu/placement-testing
3. Schedule Your New Student Advising and Registration Appointment
After your placement assessments results are available through UIC Connect, you can sign up for a New Student Advising and Registration program. The sooner you attend, the sooner you can register for classes and the better course selection you will have. Do not delay in scheduling. Programs will become available for scheduling later this spring. Stay tuned.
The session will be comprised of:
- A brief large group presentation
- A small group advising conversation with opportunities to connect individually with your advisor
- Registration for your first semester at UIC
- Peer support throughout registration
Register for your New Student Advising and Registration session through UIC Connect:
- Log into my.uic.edu
- Select “UIC Connect” tab
- Review “My Progress” tasks
- Select “Sign up for New Student Advising”
We will send you a confirmation and a reminder email, but be sure to keep track of the date, time, and location for yourself as well. We cannot wait to meet you.
4. Send Final Transcripts from Previous Institutions and/or AP/IB scores, if applicable
Having record of final transcripts and/or exam scores will assist your academic advisor when reviewing your course selection at New Student Advising and Registration and help you to avoid accidental duplication of coursework.
Send official transcripts and score reports to UIC Admissions. For more information on the specifics of sending each specific type of record/credit, visit go.uic.edu/transcripts
This should include currently in-progress courses and final grades for all completed college-level work.
5. Review Online Resources to Help You Prepare for Course Registration
Preparing for Course Registration: las.uic.edu/advising/newstudentadvising– This page provides many additional resources, including: UIC Undergraduate Catalog, XE Registration, information about pre-professional requirements, how to access and read your degree audit, and much more!
Transferology: www.transferology.com – This online tool will help you view course equivalencies and tell you how college-level courses you have taken elsewhere will transfer to UIC.
iTransfer: www.itransfer.org/ – The Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) is a statewide agreement for participating colleges and universities in Illinois. It also provides information about how the courses you have taken elsewhere will transfer to UIC.
6. Sign up for and attend Orientation
Lastly, register for your on-campus Orientation programming. These sessions will include a welcome to UIC, presentations on important topics related to your UIC experience, transition sessions to assist in your acclimation and on-boarding to UIC, a chance to follow up on any academic advising questions/concerns, and a chance to make connections with other new students, staff, and campus administrators. To register for your In-Person Orientation:
- Log into my.uic.edu
- Select “UIC Connect” tab
- Review My Progress tasks
- Select “Orientation Reservation”
If you have additional questions about Orientation, please see the New Student Orientation website or email orhelp@uic.edu.
7. Learn more and continue preparing for your first term at UIC!
After you’ve attended your New Student Advising and Registration appointment with an advisor and attended New Student Orientation, you can continue to prepare for your time at UIC as you are able.
Please consult the admissions packet for details on campus housing, tuition and fees, student health insurance, and financial aid.
Familiarize yourself with LAS by visiting las.uic.edu.
Review our New Student Academic Guide for information on advising, being a successful student at UIC, deadlines, policies, and much more!!
Transfer Student Preparation Checklist
Incoming transfer students are eligible to register for courses starting on April 20, 2026. For the best course selection, it is strongly recommended that you register for courses as soon as possible. Please do not wait until speaking with an academic advisor to register for classes. You can book an individual appointment with an advisor beginning on May 11. Appointments with major advisors start on June 1. Appointments with general advisors start on June 8. During that meeting, advisors will make recommendations based on your enrollments and ensure you are enrolled in the correct courses for your major, plan, and credits.
1. Activate Your my.UIC.edu Portal Account and Log in
Prior to taking placement assessments or registering for classes in my.UIC.edu, you are required to activate your portal account.
First Time Users:
- Visit my.uic.edu
- Select “Activate your NetID” under the “Instructions Login” portlet
Existing Users:
- Visit my.uic.edu
- Select “Login” under the “Instructions Login” portlet
2. Take Required Placement Assessments
Placement assessments are required in certain subjects. Information regarding placement assessments was enclosed in the packet sent to you by the Office of Admissions.
Having assessment results will assist you and your LAS academic advisor in planning your first semester course schedule. If you fail to take required placements, you will find yourself unable to register for courses you may need in your first semester.
To take placement assessments:
- Log into my.uic.edu
- Select “UIC Connect” tab
- Review My Progress tasks
- Select “Determine Required Placement Assessments”
- Take time to accurately respond to questionnaire
- If required, take appropriate placement assessments
To view results, once available:
- Log into my.uic.edu
- Select “UIC Connect” tab
- Review My Progress tasks
- Select “Determine Required Placement Assessments”
- Select the “View Available Assessment Results” button
It is recommended that you take the necessary placements as soon as possible.
To learn more directly from the placement website, visit here: testing.uic.edu/placement-testing/first-year-students
If you need to submit a help ticket, visit here: help.osss.uic.edu/placement-testing
During a New Student Advising and Registration appointment, a LAS Academic Advisor will interpret and explain your placements and make course recommendations based on where you placed.
Important note about the Spanish placement:
The Spanish Placement is required if you plan to enroll in any Spanish course at UIC, regardless of any incoming credit.
Important note about retaking the Math placement:
If you are unsatisfied with your placement score and wish to retake, you have free access to the required ALEKS Learning Module and up to four free retakes. These retakes can be attempted before the first Friday of Week 1 of the term at 5 p.m. when the placement assessment closes. Five hours of work on a learning module are required before each retake and 48 hours must pass before having access to each retake. The highest placement is MATH 180.
Important note about AP, IB, A-Level, and Dual Credit:
If you took an AP, IB, or A-level exam or have Dual Credit in some of these areas, you may have earned university credit. You must send the original exam results and/or transcripts to UIC to have these be added to your degree audit. For more information on AP, IB, and A-level, please visit catalog.uic.edu/ucat/degree-programs/academic-standing. For checking transfer course equivalency, view www.transferology.com/school/uic.
4. Send Final Transcripts from Previous Institutions and/or AP/IB scores, if applicable
Having record of final transcripts and/or exam scores will assist your academic advisor when reviewing your course selection and help you to avoid accidental duplication of coursework.
Send official transcripts and score reports to UIC Admissions. For more information on the specifics of sending each specific type of record/credit, visit go.uic.edu/transcripts
This should include currently in-progress courses and final grades for all completed college-level work.
3. Review Online Resources to Help You with Course Registration
Preparing for Course Registration: las.uic.edu/advising/newstudentadvising/preparing-for-course-registration– This page provides many additional resources, including: UIC Undergraduate Catalog, XE Registration, information about pre-professional requirements, how to access and read your degree audit, and much more!
UIC’s Transfer Assistance Center: registrar.uic.edu/transfer-assistance –This resource center provides assistance, counseling and helpful information to newly admitted transfer students that we hope will be helpful in making a successful transition to UIC.
Transferology: www.transferology.com – This online tool will help you view course equivalencies and tell you how the courses you have taken transfer to UIC.
iTransfer: www.itransfer.org/ – The Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) is a statewide agreement for participating colleges and universities in Illinois. It also provides information about how the courses you have taken transfer to UIC.
LAS Catalog: catalog.uic.edu – Familiarize yourself with LAS programs and policies by reviewing the Catalog. Here you will find your major course plan and the pathway to graduation.
5. Review your Degree Audit
Your degree audit will provide you with an assessment of the coursework that you are transferring in to UIC. This report will aid you in determining how your credit has transferred to UIC and how it applies toward your area of study and overall degree. It will also show you course categories or specific courses you will need to complete your degree at UIC. Viewing your degree audit alongside your major’s catalog page is a great way to get started when registering for classes.
To access your Degree Audit:
- Log into my.uic.edu
- Select “Student” tab
- Select “Degree Audit”
- Select “Request Audit”
- Choose the audit you want to run
- If you want to run your currently declared major, select “Run Declared Programs”
- If you do not have a declared major or want to see the requirements for another major, choose “Select a Different Program,” and enter the information in the drop-down menus
- Select “Run Different Program”
- On the next page, wait a few seconds (up to thirty) and an audit will appear. Select the “View Audit” button when it appears. You may need to click on “Update” to load the audit before opening it.
A red X indicates that a category still needs to be fulfilled. These are categories you should focus on as you register for courses for the upcoming term.
A blue IP indicates that a category is being completed with in progress coursework.
A green check mark indicates that a category has been completed.
6. Register for Classes
After activating your portal account, you should begin registering for classes after April 20, 2026 for Fall 2026 semester.
It is important to understand that when you register for classes you are responsible for your choices and the eventual financial obligation to pay all assessed tuition and fees. Students have through the second Friday in the fall and spring semester to add/drop/swap classes before tuition and fees are assessed.
To Register for Courses:
- Log into my.uic.edu
- Review “Welcome” tab
- Select “XE Registration/View Classes”
- Select “Register for Classes”
- Select “Term” and select “Continue”
- Complete Registration Agreement
For additional step-by-step instructions on how to register: http://registrar.uic.edu/registration/registration_instructions
For assistance with the registration process, call or e-mail the Registration Help Line at 312-996-8600 or registration@uic.edu.
7. Sign up for an Advising Appointment
At LAS, you have a team of advisors working together to support you. As an incoming transfer student, you have unique needs and experience. As such, it may make more sense for you to meet with a LAS General Advisor first or it may more more sense to meet with a LAS Major Advisor first. To determine who you should meet with, please complete the steps in your UIC Connect tab.
- Log into my.uic.edu
- Select “UIC Connect” tab
- Review My Progress tasks
- Select “Sign up for New Student Advising”
You will receive an email notifying you of how to book with either your LAS General or LAS Major advisor. Please allow 1-2 business days to pass before attempting to book this appointment, as we need to assign your advisor. To learn more about advising and our services, watch our New Transfer Student Welcome Video.
Please note: new transfer students can begin booking appointments on May 11. Appointments with major advisors begin June 1. Appointments with general advisors begin June 8. For step by step instructions on how to book your appointment, watch this video.
Additionally, we maintain our calendar appointments two-three weeks in advance. If you do not see an appointment that works in your schedule, make sure you are booking no further than three weeks in advance. If you are experiencing issues with booking, please email LASNewAdvising@uic.edu.
We can’t wait to connect with you!
8. Sign up for and attend Orientation
Lastly, register for your on-campus Orientation programming. These sessions will include a welcome to UIC, presentations on important topics related to your UIC experience, transition sessions to assist in your acclimation and on-boarding to UIC, a chance to follow up on any academic advising questions/concerns, and a chance to make connections with other new students, staff, and campus administrators. To register for your In-Person Orientation:
- Log into my.uic.edu
- Select “UIC Connect” tab
- Review My Progress tasks
- Select “Orientation Reservation”
If you have additional questions about Orientation, please see the New Student Orientation website or email orhelp@uic.edu.
10. Continue preparing for your first term at UIC!
After you’ve attended your New Student Advising and Registration appointment with an advisor and attended New Student Orientation, you can continue to prepare for your time at UIC as you are able.
Review our New Student Academic Guide for information on advising, being a successful student at UIC, deadlines, policies, and much more!!