Advising Resources, Tutorials and FAQ

Video Resources

How to Search and Register for Classes

This video walks through how to access registration, search for classes, and add classes to your schedule.

Search for Classes (Using Advanced Search)

This video shows you how to use “Advanced Search” features when looking for classes. Using the Advanced Search can help you find more specific results when searching and registering for classes.

Steps to Withdraw from a Class

This video walks you through how to withdraw a class. Be sure to check in with your advisor before doing so, as there can be financial and academic consequences to withdrawing classes. Note, if you have a hold on your account, you will need to complete the Course Withdrawal form on the Registrar’s Forms page.

Using the “What IF” Function in Degree Works

This video shows you how to use the “What IF” function on your degree works. This is helpful if you would like to see how your credits would apply to a different major or minor that Montclair offers.

Resources and Quick Links

The University's Current Students page has everything you need, all in one place! Below are selected quick links to University support services and resources.

Student Concerns and Grievances

Please note, this information is applicable only for courses within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. If you are looking for a grade grievance for a different course subject, please reach out to the corresponding academic advising office.

What is a grade grievance?

A grade grievance is a complaint that alleges unfair course grading. Students have the right to pursue the Montclair grade grievance procedure to ensure due process.

View the Student Grade Grievance Policy

Goals and Objectives of the Grade Grievance Procedure:

To ensure a formal procedure to guarantee due process for every student who feels aggrieved.
To ensure equitable treatment for all parties concerned and protect the rights of individuals.
To ensure academic freedom as well as academic quality.
To ensure remedy within a reasonable period of time.

Grade Grievance Procedure

To begin the mediation process, students should follow the steps below.

Student should attempt to resolve the issue with the individual faculty member. Student should send an e-mail to the faculty explaining his/her concern and requesting a time to discuss the concern. In some cases, you may choose to visit the faculty member during posted office hours. If the student is unable to reach the faculty member within a two-week period, the student should visit the department to facilitate communication.
If the concern or grade grievance cannot be resolved with the faculty, the student can raise the issue to the department chair or program director.
If the problem remains unresolved after meeting with the department chair or program director, the student can submit an appeal to the CHSS Dean’s Office via the grade grievance complaint form. To obtain a link to the grade grievance form, please email chssadvising@montclair.edu.

Have additional questions? Contact Us!

For non-grade grievance procedures, please view the CHSS Student Grievance Policy.

Advising Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find my faculty advisor?

Your advisor is located on your Degree Works. They are listed in the Advisor column under your name and Student ID number. If no advisor is listed, contact your major's department or contact CHSS advising Center at 973-655-3065.

How do I make sure that courses from my previous school are evaluated for transfer credit?

You should contact the departments that offer the equivalent courses at Montclair. The department program assistants will forward your requests to the appropriate faculty members for review. Be prepared to submit the syllabus from your former school; if you don’t have a syllabus, you may provide a course description.

What is a minor?

A minor is a set of courses that establishes your proficiency in a discipline with fewer courses than a major would require. The College of Humanities and Social Science offers nearly 50 minors.

How do I declare a major and/or minor?

Visit the department of the major/minor you wish to declare to inquire about their process. In most instances, you will have you complete a form (either paper or online) and obtain the signature of the department chairperson to ensure you meet with requirements to add that major and/or minor. Certain majors, in the College of the Arts, for example, have required interviews and/or auditions.

What are the General Education Requirements and am I required to take them?

View the SEEDS Undergraduate General Education Requirements

How do I apply to the teacher education program and what are the requirements?

Visit the College for Education and Engaged Learning

What are free electives?

Free elective credits are credits that do not count towards a major, minor, or general education requirement, but can count towards the 120 credits needed to graduate.

For example, if a student is a psychology major and a sociology minor and has completed their general education requirements and language and world culture requirement, any course taken outside of the requirements for the major or minor is a free elective. Free electives are sometimes needed to reach the 120 mark, depending on the number of credits needed for your major and minor. The general education requirements are 42 credits, plus 9 credits for world language and world culture, plus the psychology major (38 credits) and sociology minor (18 credits) equals 107 credits. In this example, the student could take 13 credits of free electives.

Still need help?

You can schedule a one-on-one appointment with the CHSS student advisor located in Dickson Hall who can help direct your steps, provide advice to work with your faculty advisor and help you solve a problem.

Contact: chssadvising@montclair.edu or schedule an appointment with your advisor via Navigate.