Advising

See information for Admitted Students

How are students advised

Over the summer prior to the start of classes, incoming first-year students participate in a two-part orientation called Golden Bear Experience. In June, students complete an online, asynchronous training called Golden Bear Advising (GBA), which covers campus academic resources and graduation requirements and serves as an introduction to the College of Engineering and their ESS advisors. In August, the week before classes begin, students participate in Golden Bear Orientation (GBO), an in person opportunity to meet in small groups with incoming undergrads from across the CoE, with GBO counselors (continuing Berkeley students), and with advisors and other student services professionals from the campus, the college, and their respective departments so they can begin building their Berkeley community. Incoming first-year students to CEE also attend a departmental orientation. The department assigns ladder-rank CEE faculty to serve as undergraduate advisors each year. The roles for both faculty and staff advisors are described below.

As continuing students, students meet with ESS advisors, our department undergraduate advisor, and faculty advisors to develop plans for the future. The department typically hosts faculty advising sessions each semester (usually around enrollment for the following semester, in October and March). As a helpful supplement, the Chi Epsilon Honorary Society provides peer-to-peer advising on courses and other curriculum-related matters. The Society also facilitates tutoring for many courses inside and outside the department.

Faculty Advisors

All students have access to ladder-rank faculty advisors for undergraduates. Students in CEE are encouraged to seek mentoring from CEE faculty advisors.

Faculty advisors (indeed, all faculty members) hold office hours throughout the school year to help you with course content and advise on courses, career objectives, graduate school, letters of recommendation, and summer internships. 

CEE students should meet with a faculty advisor at least twice a year for academic advising. The department typically hosts academic advising forums each semester to facilitate advising.

The faculty advisor reviews the student's proposed academic schedule, suggests coursework based on the student's interest, and offers mentoring for career development.  If a student struggles academically, as evidenced by their GPA, the department will require academic advising prior to enrollment in classes the following semester.

Prior to your faculty adviser meeting, you should:

College of Engineering Advising

You are also assigned an Engineering Student Services advisor in the College of Engineering. ESS advisors monitor your progress towards your degree and explain graduation requirements, interpret COE policy, and explain the petition process.

Department Advising

CEE's undergraduate advisor (cee-ug@berkeley.edu) answers registration questions, describes courses, interprets departmental policy, and makes referrals to resources on campus. Please connect with ESS in the College of Engineering for general major advising. 

Advising Tools

  • CalCentral is the place to obtain an unofficial degree check online.
  • Degree Worksheet will help you track completion of degree requirements.
  • Enrollment Form for getting a hold released
  • CEE Courses, CEE Course Sections, CEE Course Sections Schedule can all be found halfway down the Student Resources page
  • Berkeley Schedule of Classes is where you can find information to help you map out your program of study for current and future semesters.
  • Chi Epsilon sponsors a Departmental Advising Forum each semester.  Faculty and upper division students are available to answer questions about classes and career paths.
  • Each fall, CEE sponsors Graduate School Night with information on how to prepare for graduate school. See Graduate School Preparation Tips.