Academic Advising

Registration for Fall/Winter 2024/2025 is now open. Students can register for courses via their Compass Student Account.

Advising information is sent to first-year CBU students via their CBU Email Account. Please continue to monitor this inbox for more information as it becomes available. If you have any problems or questions, submit this form for assistance.

ACADEMIC ADVISING

Academic Advising at CBU is done at The Advising Centre, located in the Marvin Harvey Building. Academic advising provides students with individualized guidance and support in the planning and completion of their academic programs. Advisors assist students in developing an academic plan and reviewing it over the course of your degree to help you get the most out of your CBU experience.

The type of advising students need depends on what stage you are at in your program; sometimes you need help learning how to register for courses and manage your class schedule, while other times you may wish to discuss your options for a major, or post-graduation plans. Our team is here to help navigate.

BOOK AN ADVISING APPOINTMENT

Many CBU students can book an advising appointment via their Compass Student Account. To book an advising appointment, students will need their CBU email address and login credentials. New students can expect to receive this information via email from CBU’s IT Department within a week of acceptance to CBU. Students can log in to their Compass Student Account. and select the green “username” icon in the top right corner, then select “program and advising support” from the drop down options.

REQUEST ADVISING HELP

Still have a question or need more support? All CBU students can contact advising@cbu.ca for assistance or request specific advising help by using this form.

MEET THE ADVISING TEAM

Student Development Officers

CBU’s Student Development Officers (SDOs), sometimes also referred to as Advisors, are here to ensure that CBU students receive relevant academic advice and guidance as it pertains to their program and career goals. Our team will work with you to develop a plan for success based on your unique strengths and build your skills so that you can face your challenges. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive, non-judgmental environment where students of all ages, stages and abilities can access a wide range of services.

African Nova Scotian/Canadian Support Services

Some specialized Student Development Officers (SDOs) in The Advising Centre also provide additional assistance. Our SDO for Students of African Nova Scotian and African Canadian Descent promotes and honours the diversified culture of the ANS/AC students at Cape Breton University. This is accomplished by providing and celebrating African Culture through a variety of on-campus activities and events, providing one-on-one and group support to ANS/AC students, and advocating on behalf of students to various stakeholders.

Career Services

Student Development Officers (SDOs) in Career Services provide assistance with career planning, employment readiness and organizes student Co-Curricular Records. Students also work with Student Placement Officers (SPOs) to coordinate CO-OP placements, job opportunities, and some internships.

International Student Services

CBU’s International Student Advisors (ISAs) help international students with integration into the local community. They are responsible for orientation, non-academic advising, registration for medical coverage and coordination of special events for international students. Visit International Student Services for more information.

Jennifer Keeping Centre for Accessible Learning

The Advising Centre is also home to the Jennifer Keeping Centre for Accessible Learning (JKC). The JKC provides a variety of supports, including accommodations and assistive technology for students with a recognized disability. Students can apply online and register using the Accommodate Portal.

Peer Mentors

When you arrive in the Advising Center or contact us via email, your first point of contact will be our knowledgeable Peer Mentors (PMs) who are current and active CBU students. A Peer Mentor is an upper-year student whose role is to assist new undergraduate students in accessing information and connecting to services at CBU. Mentors also help students get acquainted with the many resources offered at CBU such as Start Smart, to help them begin their academic journey with confidence.

Student Navigators

Student Navigators help the Student Affairs department with a variety of jobs such as triaging student needs in the Advising Centre, assisting students with navigating their CBU Email, Moodle, Compass Student Account and leading support services such as online registration support sessions.

Student Navigators can be found at two locations on campus. They are at the main desk in the Advising Centre in the Marvin Harvey Building and two Navigators are located in the main lobby area of the Cineplex location. You can check in with them for assistance from 8:30am-4:30pm, Monday to Friday.