Advising and Planning

Our team of Student and Academic Success Specialists supports every Gies Online learner throughout their program. We partner with you to create individualized academic plans based on your goals, interests, and needs, as well as connect you to meaningful immersive learning opportunities. If you aren't sure who to contact or where to begin, start with a Specialist! You can explore all of our services below.

Before you meet with a Specialist, we encourage you become familiar with our degree requirements: 



Student & Academic Success Team Services

All current learners are encouraged to connect with a Student & Academic Success Specialist at least once during your program. Every Specialist is expertly trained to support all degree and graduate certificate programs, so learners can connect with any member of our team. We can assist with a wide range of topics, including course selection, credential stacking, capstone experiences, immersions, and even professional development resources. We'll also ensure you're connected to the appropriate resources and support available within your program and across the University of Illinois.

Schedule an Academic Advising Appointment


We offer 25-minute, individual appointments through Zoom. Appointments are held during University operating hours of 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Central Standard Time (CST). Learners can update their time zone when scheduling appointments using these instructions. 

Instructions for Scheduling an Appointment:

View available time slots and book your appointment here: https://go.gies.illinois.edu/onlineadvising. 

  1. Select “Schedule an Appointment” from the home screen
  2. Select  “Anyone on this team”
  3. Select appointment type
  4. Select a time and location to connect with the specialist
  5. All set! Once you complete the booking, you will receive an email confirmation to your Illinois email account.

All of our specialists are expertly trained across all degrees and stacking options. Our group advising model is specifically designed to assist you in a more efficient manner. For detailed instructions, click here.

If you do not see any available times, you can connect with a specialist through i-support@illinois.edu or join  Express Advising.

 
Management Express Advising

Express Advising is an opportunity for learners to connect 1:1 with a Specialist without a scheduled appointment. This drop-in service is offered on Zoom (camera optional) as a way to answer quick questions that can be answered in 15 minutes or less. For conversations that may take longer, such as degree planning, we recommend you make an individual appointment.

Express Advising Schedule:

These hours are specifically for management-based programs: iMBA & iMSM (degree, non-degree, PAT for both programs), Joint Degree (iMBA + iMSA), and Graduate Certificates. 

  • Mondays: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM CST
  • Tuesdays: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM CST
  • Wednesdays: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM CST
  • Thursdays: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM CST
  • Fridays: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM CST

    Instructions to Join Management Express:

    Step 1: Express Advising is first-come, first-served. Secure your place in line by joining the Express Advising Queue and following the on-screen instructions.

    Step 2: Monitor your place in line. Once you see the green notification that "your question is being answered", please join the Zoom link that's provided in the Queue instructions. 

    If you'd like step by step instructions to guide you through the Queue, please review these instructions.

    Accountancy Express Advising

    Express Advising is an opportunity for learners to connect 1:1 with a Specialist without a scheduled appointment. This drop-in service is offered on Zoom (camera optional) as a way to answer quick questions that can be answered in 15 minutes or less. For conversations that may take longer, such as degree planning, we recommend you make an individual appointment.

    Express Advising Schedule:

    This time is specifically for accountancy-based programs: iMSA (degree, non-degree, PAT), Joint Degree (interested or declared), and Accountancy Graduate Certificates.

    • Tuesdays: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CST

      Instructions to Join Accountancy Express:

      Step 1: Express Advising is accessed through a direct Zoom link. When you're ready, click here to join.

      Step 2: Express Advising is first-come, first-served. The iMSA Specialist will admit the learners into the main session from the waiting room in the order they arrived.

      Connect by Email

      Email us at any time! Send your questions to i-support@illinois.edu using your Illinois email account, and a Specialist will respond within 24-48 hours during standard business hours (Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CST).