Academic Advising Services - Spring 2024

Contact Eighth College Academic Advisors via the "Ask a Question" function in the Virtual Advising Center (VAC).

Available to students 24/7 to submit advising questions, you'll receive a reply during normal business hours: Monday-Friday I 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Questions submitted on weekends or University holidays will be answered starting the next business day in the order they were received.

You will be notified via UC San Diego email that you've received a reply. You need to log into your Virtual Advising Center (VAC) account to view the message. To sign up for a text message alert, log into your Virtual Advising Center (VAC) account and click on "Preferences." 

Drop-ins allow students to meet with an Eighth College Academic Advisor for a 15-minute period to assist with quick academic related questions.

During our weekly drop-in hours we will have both in-person and remote (via Zoom) options available.

Standard Drop-In Hours:

• Mondays - 2:00 to 4:00 PM
• Wednesdays - 2:00 to 4:00 PM
• Thursdays - 2:00 to 4:00 PM

We look forward to connecting with you!

Advising appointments allow students to meet with an Eighth College Academic Advisor for a pre-scheduled 30-minute period to assist with academic related questions that may a longer discussion or more in-depth advising.

Appointments may be scheduled either in-person and remotely (via Zoom). Eighth College will offer appointments during Weeks 2-7 and Week 10. During Weeks 8-9, we will not offer appointments to allow for more drop-in times to best address student's enrollment questions. 

• Mondays - 8:00 to 10:00 AM (Remote Only)
• Mondays - 1:30 to 3:30 PM
• Thursdays - 2:00 to 4:00 PM

Go to the Virtual Advising Center (VAC) and click on Meet with Advisor, select Eighth College, and check out more details on the types of questions we can cover in appointments and how to schedule an appointment.

We look forward to connecting with you!

To develop a long-term academic plan with an Eighth College Academic Advisor, follow the instructions below.

1. Review plans.ucsd.edu and your degree audit (TritonLink)
2. Use the Academic Planning Worksheet to draft your personalized academic plan
3. Meet with your department/program advisor to add/modify required major coursework
4. Schedule an appointment with an Eighth College Academic Advisor via the Virtual Advising Center (VAC) to finalize your plan

Send your completed forms or petitions (and supporting documentation if applicable) to Eighth College Academic Forms and Petitions Submission System.

If you are petitioning a Breadth Requirement, be sure to include a course description on your Undergraduate Student Petition and attach a syllabus. Petitions to satisfy requirements non-Eighth College requirements, must be submitted to the relevant academic department or program.

• Alternatives to Selective Majors: If you did not get into one of UC San Diego's selective majors, fear not! There are opportunities to apply as a continuing student, and there are great alternatives for most majors! Our friends at Seventh College put together a handy guide of alternatives to selective majors for you to explore your options. 
• Computing Paths: Interested in studying computing? UC San Diego provides a wide array of majors (not only Computer Science) that offer students a unique computing experience. 
• Exploring Academic Interests: If you're not rock solid on your major choice (and even if you are), know that your major or minor does not dictate your path or what a successful next step looks like for you. You control your adventure! If you're looking for somewhere to start, explore traditional professions and paths by academic interest. 
• Health Beat at the Career Center: If you're interested in pre-health/pre-med fields, explore health professions and prepare for the application process through participation in events, workshops, and pre-health advising (including information on med/graduate school pre-requisites) through the Health Beat program.