Navigating your academic journey can feel like finding your way through a cornmaze while simultaneously learning a new language. That's why we're here to guide you. Let's break down the basics.

You will use student planning and registration to register for your courses. As a new student, you will likely need to see or reach out to an academic advisor in order to register for your courses. This doesn’t apply to Fredericton arts or engineering students, but we will strongly encourage you to see an advisor.

Our year is broken into two main academic terms, fall and winter, and sessions that run from May to August. Most students are initially admitted to the fall term. Our second big cycle is the winter term. Because of this, we offer more first-year courses in the fall term.

In each of these terms, most full-time students will take between nine and 18 credit hours. Though some of our programs, like engineering and nursing, require more than this. Credit courses at UNB can have a value as low as one credit hour and in some cases, go as high as 12. Three credit hours is the most common number for first-year courses. Some students also have labs and tutorials as a part of their program – these components can have differing credit hour values.

We also have courses that span both terms. These courses are considered full-year courses and can be registered for online. However, if you want to drop one of these courses later, you’ll need to reach out directly to the Registrar’s Office.

Academic advising works best when you and your advisor work together. Both of you bring something valuable to the conversation—your goals, questions, lived experience, and your advisor’s knowledge, guidance and support. Together, you’ll shape a plan that helps you move confidently toward your academic and career aspirations.

Your responsibilities as a student

As a partner in your academic journey, you are expected to:

• Book regular advising appointments and reach out whenever you need help or clarification.
• Explore and communicate your interests and goals so your advisor can help you plan effectively.
• Come prepared for each appointment with your questions and any materials you need (e.g., draft schedules, forms, degree checklists).
• Follow through on any next steps you and your advisor discuss (e.g., registering for courses, meeting with Career Services, attending a workshop).
• Learn key academic regulations and deadlines, including add/drop dates, academic integrity expectations, and graduation timelines.
• Keep track of your progress by monitoring your credits, requirements, and academic standing over time.

Your advisor’s responsibilities

Your academic advisor:

• Helps you clarify your goals and develop academic plans that align with your interests, strengths, and degree requirements.
• Provides accurate information about important dates, regulations, program pathways and campus supports, including co-curricular and experiential opportunities.
• Is available to meet with you once every academic term, or more often when needed.
• Supports your academic success by discussing your performance and suggesting strategies or resources when challenges arise.
• Refers you to campus services like tutoring, wellness, career development or financial support.
• Maintains confidentiality in accordance with university policies.
• Documents advising conversations to help track your progress and ensure continuity of support.

Registering for your courses at UNB happens in two steps:

1. Meet with an academic advisor to review your goals and plan your courses.
   • Fredericton campus
     • First year engineering, forestry and environmental management, leadership studies, science and undergraduate no degree students: Find your advisor
     • All other Fredericton students: Find your advisor
   • Saint John campus
     • All Saint John campus students: Find your advisor
2. Complete your registration using Student Planning and Registration.

Your advisor will help you build a strong academic plan, avoid common pitfalls, and make sure you’re choosing courses that fit your program and long-term goals.

Using Student Planning and Registration

Once you’ve met with your advisor, head to Student Planning and Registration to start building your timetable. Most students find the tool intuitive and helpful — you can drag, adjust, and personalize your weekly schedule until it works for you. If you do have trouble, check out our tutorials.

It may take a bit of fine-tuning to get everything to line up, but that’s part of the process. Whether you’re balancing a part-time job, family responsibilities, athletics, or just prefer a later start to your day, you’re in the driver’s seat.

If a course you want is full

No problem — many UNB courses offer waitlists. Add yourself to a waitlist and if a seat becomes available, you will be notified. Waitlists are managed directly by departments or faculties, so make sure you:

• Check your UNB email frequently for notifications.
• Stay in touch with the instructor or departmental staff if needed.

If a spot opens and you don’t act quickly, the seat may be offered to the next student, so keep an eye on your inbox.

Make sure the courses you choose are the right fit

If you’ve met with an advisor, you’re likely in great shape. But if you’re in a program that allows you to register without an advising appointment, be especially careful to check:

• Pre-requisites (pre-reqs): Courses you must complete before enrolling in another course.
• Co-requisites (co-reqs): Courses you must take at the same time.

Student Planning and Registration will display warnings for missing pre-reqs or co-reqs. If you see one of these alerts, you’ll need to adjust your course selection before finalizing registration.

All undergraduate students at the University of New Brunswick are assigned an academic advisor who has expertise in your academic program of study. If you have a question about your program, experience difficulty as a student, or want to discuss individual, academic, and career goals, then you should meet with your Academic Advisor.

When contacting your advisor, it is important to include the following information:

• Name
• Student number
• Program details and status – Are you a first-year student, a concurrent student (enrolled in two programs at the same time), a transfer student, a new applicant, etc.?
• A brief explanation of why you are contacting your advisor at this time, or the question(s) you have.

This is not a definitive list of things you may want to include or have ready when contacting or meeting with your advisor. Use your judgment when providing information—if it seems relevant, it likely is.

Find an advisor on the Fredericton campus or email advising@unb.ca.

Find an advisor on the Saint John campus or email sjadvising@unb.ca.

Course registration

Most returning students register independently using Student Planning & Registration. Still, an academic advisor can help you:

• Confirm you’re meeting degree requirements
• Choose appropriate courses for your year or major
• Explore minors, certificates or academic options
• Sort out credit issues, reinstatement or program changes

Be prepared, be sure to check your program regulations in the University Calendar ahead of your advising meeting.

When should returning students register?

Early registration gives you the widest course selection (and the best schedule options!). Registration dates are announced each term, but generally Fall and Winter registration for the upcoming year opens in March – it is always best to register as early as possible to give you the most time possible to plan for the year.

Whom to contact if you need help

• Full class / waitlist questions: Department or instructor
• Pre-req or co-req issues: Academic advisor
• Dropping a full-year course: Registrar’s Office
• Questions about program requirements: Academic advisor

Pro tip: Always check your UNB email for updates about registration and waitlists.