Undergraduate Advising
Same Service. New Expressions.
We continue to use Microsoft Teams for all virtual appointments but we also offer a limited number of in-person appointments. All advising appointments are made using Microsoft Bookings (see below). Upon making an appointment you will receive a Teams invitation via your UTD email, which will include a hyperlink for video chat (preferred) OR you can call in using the phone number provided in that email. This provides a secure and FERPA-compliant method for our communication.
Please note: We do not recommend general phone calls right now due to the high volume of appointments and emails. Your question will be answered most quickly by sending an email to your advisor from your UTD email. However, if you lack internet access or cannot otherwise communicate, please call and leave your advisor your phone number and a message, and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
Your Advising Team
Students are assigned to an EPPS Undergraduate Advisor according to the student’s last name:
| Advisor | Phone Number | EmailAddress | Bookings Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| A–D: Sheila Rollerson | 972-883-4938 | srollers@utdallas.edu | Bookings |
| E–H & R–W: Whitney Sharman | 972-883-4181 | whitney.sharman@utdallas.edu | Bookings |
| 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
- Non-degree seeking or 2nd bachelor’s degree
Students should plan to meet with their assigned advisor at least once per year.
Peer Mentors
Walk-in availability hours/location:
Monday – Friday | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | 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
Q: Where can I find the schedule of classes for the semester?
A: The CourseBook lists class schedules for current and prior semesters as well as syllabi, instructor CVs, and more.
Q: How do I find out about important deadlines?
A: 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.
Q: When can I enroll in classes?
A: 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.
Q: I have a hold on my account – what does that mean and how do I get rid of it?
A: 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
Q: What is a degree plan and when should I get one?
A: 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.
Q: How can I change my major or minor?
A: 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 (1st) day of class through Census Day. Refer to the Academic Calendar for dates.
Q: What is the Course Catalog?
A: 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.
Q: What UTD terminology should I be familiar with?
A: 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.
Office365 – 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
Q: What is an internship and how do I find one?
A: 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’s Handshake platform, while others find experiences on their own through friends or family.
Q: Can I get class credit for an internship? How many hours can I get?
A: 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.
Q: How do I report an internship experience for academic credit?
A: Go to the University Career Center’s Experiential Programs page for instructions on how to report the experience, including the documentation required.
Q: Does the internship have to be paid?
A: No. The internship can be paid or unpaid.
Q: Can I get academic credit for a job that I am employed at?
A: No. You cannot earn academic credit for your job.
Q: Can I get academic credit for an internship I did last summer?
A: No. You cannot get academic credit retroactively for an internship.