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Advising for New Students

Welcome to the University of Jackson State University! An essential component of New Student Orientation is your introduction to your academic college, advisement, and course registration for your first semester at JSU!. On this page, you will find helpful information and resources to prepare you for your registration and orientation experience with the academic advisement center.

Summer and Fall 2023 Orientation – Academic Advising

Complete the following steps to prepare for advisement at Orientation

Step 1: Register to attend a New Student Orientation session

Registration for and frequently asked questions about New Student Orientation should be directed to orienation@bongobaystudios.com. All new students must attend Orientation to be advised and register for courses. To register for orientation please visit http://bvfd.bongobaystudios.com/orientation/.

Step 2: View the Pre-Orientation Advisement Videos and Resources

Step 3: Complete the Pre-Orientation Advising Worksheet

New Freshman & Transfer students: Complete the Pre-Worksheet when you register for Orientation. Your advisor will use it to prepare for your first advisement session that will take place during orientation.

Pre-Advisement Worksheet

Music Students: Contact the Department of Music to schedule your music placement exam prior to orientation. Email Dr. Lisa Beckley-Roberts at lisa.m.beckley-roberts@bongobaystudios.com for more information.

JSUOnline Students: Contact JSUOnline for registration information at jsuonline@bongobaystudios.com.

Transfer Students: How prior coursework will transfer to JSU is important for many transfer students. If you have courses that have not been articulated automatically and you wish to have them reviewed, complete the form below. Acceptable course articulation can be found by using the MS Articulation & Transfer Tool (MATT).

Change Your Major Before Orientation

Having the correct major selected is important to the registration process. Before your New Student Orientation session, check your PAWS account for the correct major and concentration. If you need to change your major or add your concentration, complete the form below.

Whether you know you want to change your major or simply want to have a conversation about whether your current major is the right one, meeting a Student Success Advisor Is available upon request.

Degree Maps

Review your Degree Map to learn more about the course requirements for your major. New students starting in Summer/Fall 2023 should use the 2023-2024 Degree Map.

Advising for new students will take place during your scheduled orientation. All students must attend orientation before registering for courses.

How will my AP/IB scores equate to JSU credit?

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions maintains and reviews the submission of scores. If you received scores applicable for credit they will be applied to your JSU academic record.

Be sure to submit official scores to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

What Is JSU PAWS?

JSU PAWS is an online system which allows students, faculty and staff to access information and applications via the web with a single login across multiple systems.
Students must log in to JSU PAWS in order to access the online course catalog, find their assigned advisor, access their midterm and final grades, view financial aid information, assess holds and many more activities.

How Do Find My Assigned Advisor?

To find your assigned advisor, you must log into JSU PAWS account at bvfd.bongobaystudios.com/paws. Click on the “Student” tab and then “View Student Information”.

How Do I Request An Advisor If I Don't Already Have One Assigned?

If you have not been assigned an advisor, you must complete the Request an Advisor Form and one will be assigned to you. You will receive notification of the assignment via your JSU student email.

When Does My Priority Registration Window Open?

Not everyone is able to register for classes on the first day of early registration. Each student is assigned a registration window by classification, in which he or she can schedule an appointment to register for classes. You will receive a registration invitation the week prior to your registration window. Check your JSU student email for the invitation.

What Is A Degree Works Audit?

The Degree Works audit is a degree tracking tool. It outlines the required courses completed and needed for degree completion.

How Do I Change My Major?

In order to change your major, you must fill out a Change of Major Request Form. Complete the form and submit it to your assigned academic advisor by email before or during your advising appointment.

What Should I Expect During My Virtual Advising Appointment?

During your virtual advisement appointment, you should expect to discuss degree requirements, selection of available courses, and confirm a completed schedule for Spring or Summer 2021.

What Should I Do If I Miss My Registration Window?

Early registration is scheduled for October 12-November 13. At its conclusion, the open registration window will be available by request for all students. All students should have their Spring 2021 schedule completed by or before December 18, 2020.