New Student Advising

Three SPU students look out across Lake Union towards the Seattle skyline

At SPU, all new students register for their first-quarter class schedule through the New Student Advising (NSA) program. It's a highly-personalized registration experience tailored to your unique needs and goals, and it's designed for all new SPU students, both first-year and transfer.

To sign up for NSA and begin the registration process, all new students must complete the New Student Advising (NSA) Survey. Within this survey, you’ll start to learn about what it takes to earn a degree at SPU and will answer questions about your academic interests, scheduling needs, and general course preferences.

You can access the NSA Survey as of May 1 through the "Sign up for NSA" link below or through your SPU Portal checklist. Please allow 20-30 minutes to complete this step.

Sign up for NSA

I've completed my NSA Survey - now what?

The final survey question will ask you to choose between two registration formats:

Option One: An academic counselor will register you for your first-quarter class schedule based on the interests and preferences you indicate in your NSA Survey. The quickest and most efficient way to register, this is a great option if you have a busy summer schedule, have fewer questions, or simply want to register as soon as possible. Beginning June 18, students will receive their class schedules within one week (provided all four pre-NSA requirements are met). 

Option Two: Meet 1:1 for a (virtual) advising appointment with an academic counselor or faculty advisor to select and register for your first-quarter classes together. This is a great option if you have substantial transfer credit, are unsure of what you'd like to study, or simply have lots of questions. Appointment availability will vary by major, time of summer, and overall demand. Provided all four pre-NSA requirements are met, appointments can be scheduled beginning May 15 for appointment dates that begin June 18. Appointments are primarily held during June and July. Schedule early and be among the first to choose your classes!

What steps are required to register?

You can complete the NSA Survey at any time (once available on May 1). However, in order to be registered for classes or to schedule your NSA class registration appointment, you will need to have completed the following:

  1. New Student Advising Survey
  2. Submitted your $200 enrollment deposit
  3. If needed for your intended major, complete any required placement tests (guidance will be provided within the NSA Survey)
  4. If you completed any college-level credit, submit official transcripts from the college awarding credit

Once the above steps are complete, we'll move forward with your registration according to the format you've chosen. If you've opted to meet with a counselor to register, you can contact our office beginning May 15 to schedule your NSA registration appointment.

Questions are always welcome!  Contact us: nsa@spu.edu or 206-281-2575.

SPU students hang out in Pioneer Square, Seattle

Admitted for Winter or Spring Quarter? Admitted for Summer?

If you are an incoming student who’s not beginning in the autumn, check out the information about NSA for Non-Autumn Admits.