Undergraduate Advising
Walk-In Wednesdays
Undergraduate advisors are available for walk-in appointments every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Green Hall (GR 2.220). No appointment needed.
For general undergraduate advising questions, contact us at epps-advisors@utdallas.edu.
Your Advising Team
All advising appointments are made using Microsoft Bookings (see below). Students are assigned to an EPPS Undergraduate Advisor according to the student’s last name:
| Advisor | Phone Number | Email Address | Bookings Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| D – H & R – W: Whitney Sharman | 972-883-4181 | whitney.sharman@utdallas.edu | Bookings |
| A – C, I – Q, X- Z & Fast Track: Malinda Hicks | 972-883-4243 | malinda.hicks@utdallas.edu | Bookings |
Our team of advisors can help with the following:
- Exploration of majors
- Registration advising and course selection
- Course difficulties
- Approval for taking courses off campus
Students who are in one of the following categories must meet with their advisor prior to registration:
- Freshmen
- Newly admitted transfer students
- Academic probation and academic warning
- Nondegree seeking or second bachelor’s degree
Meeting Preferences
We strongly encourage in-person advising appointments whenever possible. Face-to-face conversations help us better connect with you, understand your academic and personal goals, and provide individualized guidance in alignment with our commitment to holistic, student-centered advising.
We understand that work schedules and professional obligations can sometimes make in-person meetings difficult. If you are unable to meet on campus due to verified work-related conflicts, you may request a virtual appointment so that you can still receive timely and comprehensive advising support.
Our Commitment to Advising Excellence
Our advising practices are guided by the UT System Excellence in Academic Advising Framework and its emphasis on:
- Relational Excellence – Ensuring every student feels heard, supported, and valued in their advising interactions.
- Holistic Support – Considering both academic and non-academic factors when helping you plan your path to graduation.
- Individualized Pathways – Working with you to create and update degree plans that reflect your unique goals, timelines, and circumstances.
- Accessible Resources – Providing clear, accurate, and timely information in ways that meet your needs, whether in person or virtually.
By prioritizing personal connection and flexibility, we aim to make each advising interaction a meaningful step toward your academic and professional success.
Students should plan to meet with their assigned advisor at least once per semester.
Fast Track
UTD undergraduate students who meet requirements may begin to work on an EPPS master’s degree before graduating with their bachelor’s degree. Students who successfully complete the Fast Track requirements will NOT need to complete the graduate application, letters of recommendation, the GRE or the personal narrative to apply to an EPPS master’s program.
We are also happy to announce the new accelerated master’s program with UTHealth Houston, offered in partnership with our Public Health program. Please contact Dr. Malinda Hicks, fast-track coordinator, for more details.
Peer Mentors
Walk-in availability hours/location:
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Green Hall (GR 2.232)
Our Peer Mentors are EPPS students who can assist new and continuing students with:
Semester planning, including:
- How to read degree plan and use Schedule Planner to choose classes.
- Student perspective on courses and course load (core + EPPS).
- Assist with first-semester course planning during Orientation.
Understanding the academic calendar and registration/withdrawal deadlines
Basic advising vocabulary
General campus information, including referrals to other offices when necessary
Frequently Asked Questions
Classes and Registration
Where can I find the schedule of classes for the semester?
The CourseBook lists class schedules for current and prior semesters as well as syllabi, instructor CVs, and more.
How do I find out about important deadlines?
The Academic Calendar contains all academic deadlines (e.g., when classes begin and end, last day to register, etc.) as well as payment and refund deadlines.
When can I enroll in classes?
Current students will receive an Enrollment Appointment when the new schedule of classes is released (see the Academic Calendar for dates). New students will be registered as part of their New Student Orientations (freshman or transfer), or they can enroll when Open Enrollment begins.
I have a hold on my account. What does that mean, and how do I get rid of it?
You may receive a registration hold on your account for a number of reasons, including new student orientation and advising (“cannot register online”), required degree audits, past due balances, academic probation/warning, and others. Your academic advisor will help you satisfy the holds in order to register for classes.
Majors and Degree Plans
What is a degree plan, and when should I get one?
The degree plan is an official document that lists all the courses required for your chosen degree and shows how the courses that you have completed are applied toward the degree. Meeting with your academic advisors will be part of your New Student Orientation (freshman or transfer). They will provide you with a copy of your degree plan at that time.
How can I change my major or minor?
You can make changes to your academic plan (major or minor) by initiating the “Undergraduate Online Change of Plan” in your Orion Student Center. Please note: EPPS will not process or approve any changes of major from the first day of class through Census Day. Refer to the Academic Calendar for dates.
What is the Course Catalog?
The Course Catalog, also known as the Undergraduate Catalog, is where you will find current academic policies, procedures, degree offerings, course descriptions, and other information pertinent to your studies at UTD.
What UTD terminology should I be familiar with?
The following are some important terms that all UTD students should know:
Galaxy – Main campus portal that gives you access to your student account and quick links to the most popular online campus systems.
UTD ID – Your official student ID number. This ID number is composed of 10 digits starting with a 20 (e.g., 2021xxxxxx).
NetID – Your login ID that contains your initials plus a 6-digit number (e.g., xyz123456). You will use your NetID to gain access to all online campus systems, including email.
Microsoft 365 – Your student email account. All University communications will be through your UTD email account once you are an admitted student.
EZ Pay – The portal you will use to check your tuition balance and making payments.
Internships
What is an internship, and how do I find one?
An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting. Many students find internships through the University Career Center Handshake platform, while others find experiences on their own through friends or family.
Can I get class credit for an internship? How many hours can I get?
Yes. You can earn a maximum of 6 credit hours for an approved internship. EPPS requires an undergraduate student to work at least 120 hours (approximately 10 hours/week during fall/spring) for 3 credit hours. For 6 credit hours a student must work at least 240 hours (approximately 20 hours/week during Fall/Spring). See your academic advisor for more information.
How do I report an internship experience for academic credit?
Go to the University Career Center’s Experiential Programs page for instructions on how to report the experience, including the documentation required.
Does the internship have to be paid?
No. The internship can be paid or unpaid.
Can I get academic credit for a job that I am employed at?
No. You cannot earn academic credit for your job.
Can I get academic credit for an internship I did last summer?
No. You cannot get academic credit retroactively for an internship.