Where can I get advising?

Each student is assigned a faculty advisor during their first semester, around midterm. You must meet with your faculty advisor at least once per semester during the department's mandatory advising period. Key dates and appointment instructions are communicated via email from the MechSE Undergraduate Programs Office.

Faculty advising provides career guidance and helps students tailor their coursework and experiences—such as internships, research, study abroad, and student organizations—to align with their academic and professional goals. By making the most of these sessions, students can establish a strong relationship with their advisor, who can serve as a valuable source for letters of recommendation for jobs, graduate programs, fellowships, and scholarships.

Prior to scheduling an advising appointment, students should complete the following steps:

• Download the digital flowsheet for Engineering Mechanics or Mechanical Engineering based on their curriculum and entry term, and fill it out in Adobe Acrobat according to the form instructions. 
• Download a copy of their most recent Degree Audit (DARS) and verify its accuracy. 
• Update their résumé or CV. 

Students should then upload these documents to the My.MechSE Advising Portal when scheduling their appointment. Please arrive on time and prepared for your advising appointment with a list of questions to make the most of your appointment. 

The MechSE Undergraduate Programs Office is the departmental resource center for undergraduate students and faculty. The office staff includes:

• Sanjiv Sinha, Professor and Associate Head for Undergraduate Programs
• Stephanie Ott-Monsivais, Director of Undergraduate Programs
• Samridh Singh, Chief Academic Advisor
• Missy Biehl, Academic Advisor (Remote)
• Robbie Vermillion, Office Manager
• Tammy Smith, Office Support Specialist

The preferred method for contacting the MechSE Undergraduate Programs Office staff or advisors is by email at mechse-ug-advise@illinois.edu or by walk-in during regular business hours from 8am-noon or 1-4:30pm, Monday through Friday.

At the college level, students can schedule advising appointments during business hours or drop-in for Express advising at The Grainger Engineering Academic Advising Center.  For more information, visit The Grainger College of Engineering Undergraduate Academic Advising webpage.