New First-Year Student Advising

Congratulations on your acceptance to Westfield State University!
The Office of Academic Advising is here to help you navigate your academic journey. We’re excited to introduce you to the support and resources available to ensure a smooth and successful transition.

🔑 Key Steps to Get Started

1. Activate Your myWestfield Account
   To access the New Student Advising Questionnaire, you’ll first need to activate your myWestfield account. Visit the Enrolled Student Guide or New Account Setup for step-by-step instructions.
   Need help? Contact the Technology Support Desk for technical assistance.

2. Your First Class Schedule
   The Registrar’s Office will build your initial schedule based on departmental or major recommendations. The Office of Academic Advising will help complete the rest of your Spring 2026 schedule.

   If you’re entering as an Exploratory/Undeclared student, our professional advisors will work closely with you. Watch for an email from advising@westfield.ma.edu outlining your next steps and complete the Exploratory Advising Questionnaire. 

   To get started, complete the New Student Advising Questionnaire. This form helps us understand your academic background, interests, and goals so we can create a schedule that supports your transition to Westfield State.

   🗓 Deadline to complete the questionnaire: Friday, December 12, 2025. 

   While we’ll do our best to honor your preferences, please note that schedules are based on course availability, prerequisites, and major requirements—so we can’t guarantee all preferences will be met.  

🤝 Ongoing Advising Support

Academic Advising is here for you!
We’re available to answer your questions and support your transition.

📅 Add/Drop Period

Looking to adjust your schedule?
In-person support will be available during the Spring 2026 Add/Drop period:
Tuesday, January 20 – Monday, January 26
Visit the Advising Center or the Registrar’s Office for assistance.

📘 Planning for Future Semesters

All new first-year students are assigned a major and professional advisor at the start of their first semester. After your initial schedule is created, you’ll meet with your advisors during the advising and registration period to plan and register for your future courses. 

Under the dual advising model, first year students are assigned two advisors:

1. Major Advisor – A faculty member within the student’s academic department who serves as the primary advisor and is responsible for providing discipline-specific guidance, career paths in the field, long-term academic planning, and issuing the registration PIN required for course enrollment each semester.
2. Professional Advisor – A staff advisor from the Advising Center or a specialized campus program—such as the Honors Program, Learning Disabilities Program, or LEAD Scholars Program—complements this by offering broader support with general education requirements, academic success strategies, campus resources, and transitioning to college life. Together, they help students build a strong academic foundation.

ℹ️ Additional Information

Have questions? Contact us at advising@westfield.ma.edu.
The Office of Academic Advising is open:
🕒 Monday – Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

🕒 Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

We are closed on the following holidays:

• Thursday, November 27
• Thursday, December 25
• Thursday, January 1
• Monday, January 19

Transfer Student?
Visit our Transfer Student Advising for guidance tailored to your experience.

We’re excited to welcome you to Westfield State and look forward to supporting you throughout your academic journey!