Advising Center

Through advising, every student will be empowered with the knowledge and confidence to create a unique undergraduate journey.

Advising Appointments

Schedule an appointment for an in-person meeting or virtual appointment directly with us in our Starfish calendars.

How Can We Help?

Select below what best describes your situation to begin:

Your Most Common Questions

New Students (freshmen and transfers) will be assigned to an advisor based on their major in February or September, depending on semester of entry. We can help you in the Advising Center until you have a permanent advisor.

Continuing students will be assigned to an advisor who may be a professional academic advisor from the Advising Center, or a full-time professor within the student’s academic department.

You can find your major advisor’s name in two places:

The top of your Degree Progress Report (DPR), located in your myHeliotrope account.
On your “My Success Network” page in Starfish, listed as “Major Advisor”

Review the academic requirements for your major*. Go to Academics, select your major, then click on “Requirements” from the right sidebar. You might also find the 8 semester graduation plans helpful. Note that they are advising tools and not a substitute for individual Degree Progress Report.
Log in to MyHeliotrope to review your D egree Progress Report to understand your remaining degree requirements.
Watch the short video that will teach you How to Use the Course Search.
Use the Course Search to prepare a list of open and available courses that satisfy your academic interests and degree requirements that you can review during your advising appointment.
Prepare a list of questions to ask during your advising appointment. You must communicate with an advisor in order to register for classes. They will give you a 6 digit Alternate PIN which you must enter in order to access registration (see below).

*Undeclared? No problem! See our Resources for Undeclared Students page for help. Note that we serve as your advisors here in the Advising Center until you declare, so bring us your questions!

The short answer: it depends.

Procedures vary based on degree type and/or major.

If you wish to understand how changing your major impacts your graduation timeline, please make an appointment with us in the Advising Center.

Declare or Change Majors

Changing to a BFA/MusB, or the Creative Writing BA or Visual Arts BS programs require additional assessment such as auditions or portfolios.

*You can do it in three easy steps.

Download the Minor Declaration form from the Registrar’s Office site.
Reach out to the chairperson of the department which offers the minor for approval and assignment of a minor advisor. (Note the interdisciplinary minors at the bottom of the page).
Return your completed Minor Declaration form to the Registrar’s Office in person or via email at registrar@purchase.edu.
Students can declare a maximum of two minors at Purchase.

* Music and Visual Arts minors require auditions/portfolio submissions. See Music Minor and Visual Arts Minor requirements.

The last day to withdraw from Fall 2025 full-term courses without academic penalty is Monday, October 27th.

You will receive a “W” grade on your transcript, which does not affect your GPA, but may impact your Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid.

If you miss the deadline, then you will receive a “WF” on your transcript, which will negatively affect your GPA.

Be sure to consult with us if you have questions or concerns.

See more information on how to withdraw on the Registrar’s webpage.

No problem!

Quick Question?

Email us at advising@purchase.edu. (Use your Purchase email account.)
Call us at 914-251-3990.

Need More Time?

Schedule an appointment for an in-person meeting or Zoom appointment directly with us in our Starfish calendars.

Ask an Advisor!

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Through advising, every student will be empowered with the knowledge and confidence to create a unique undergraduate journey.

Advising Appointments

How Can We Help?

Ask an Advisor!

Information for:

Need Assistance?

Other Resources:

Advising Center

Through advising, every student will be empowered with the knowledge and confidence to create a unique undergraduate journey.

Advising Appointments

How Can We Help?

New Students (Freshman and Transfer)

Undeclared Students

Continuing in a Major

Faculty Members

Academically At Risk

Academically Dismissed

Ask an Advisor!

Information for:

Need Assistance?

Other Resources: