Over the years University Studies students have generated quite a few questions. The job of Academic Advisors is to provide accurate answers. Of course many of the questions are recurrent, so in an effort to save everyone some time and to get the information to you as quickly and easily as possible, the professional advisors within the University Studies Program, have compiled the following list of Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.'s).
1) What courses do I have to take?
All University of Delaware students, regardless of major, must take:
- ENGL 110. Critical Reading and Writing, a freshman composition class, during either 1st or 2nd semester, unless you have approved equivalent transfer credit or the appropriate score on the SAT Writing Test.
- One First Year Experience (FYE) course. The course and credit vary with major.
- One 3-credit multicultural course, which may be taken any time before you graduate. Consult the list in the Catalog that you received at DelaWorld.
- One Discovery Learning Experience (DLE) of at least three credits. Examples are approved Internships, Service Learning, Undergraduate Research, Independent Study, and Study Abroad. Note the word “approved”-it's very important that you verify your DLE choice with your advisor.
- Various breadth (group) requirements (a.k.a. general education) and skills classes- specific requirements that will depend on your major.
- Enough successful credits (“C-“ or above) in your major and degree to graduate. This number can vary but will total at least 124 for students in majors in the College of Arts & Sciences. In other colleges at UD, the required total varies from 120 credits to 130 or more. Double degrees require more credits; double majors may also require more credits. Check it out!
2) What is First Year Experience (FYE)?
All freshmen are required to participate in a First Year Experience (FYE). The FYE Program is designed to get you off to a good start and to help you succeed at UD. FYE also allows you to meet other students in your program, learn about resources at UD, and feel more at home on campus.
3) Can I drop (withdraw from) my FYE?
No. This is a requirement for all incoming freshmen. If you have questions, contact Meghan Biery at 831-3330 or mbiery@udel.edu.
4) How many credits should I take each semester?
That depends on you. In order to complete your degree in four years, without taking courses in Winter or Summer Sessions, you will need to take 15-16 credits each regular semester. If you do decide to take courses in Winter Session or Summer Session, or transfer courses from another institution (important: contact the University Transfer Center if doing so), it could lighten your course load in fall and spring semesters.
5) Do I have to take math?
Yes. It is a University Requirement and almost all majors require a minimum of at least one math course. The exact course(s) you need to take will depend on you major and your UD math placement test score. You should discuss the appropriate course(s) with your academic advisor in addition to consulting the Catalog.
6) Do I have to take foreign language?
Most majors in the College of Arts & Sciences require that you successfully complete the intermediate level of a foreign language. Other majors may also require some foreign language Check the requirements for your degree program in the Undergraduate Catalog you received at DelaWorld or check on-line. Remember: most employers prefer to hire graduates with foreign language skills. Having a foreign language listed on your resume can make the difference in getting a job after graduation.
7 ) I'm not sure about my major—can I take courses in a major that I am considering?
Usually, but it is not unusual for you to find that certain courses are for “majors only.” That means if you are not currently declared in that major, you cannot register for that class. Consult your Undergraduate Catalog or check on-line to identify what courses you can take to explore a major.
8) What grades do I have to get?
What grade you need depends on the requirement you are fulfilling. For instance a grade of “C-“or better is necessary for courses required of a major or minor. A grade of “C-“ or better is also required for ENGL 110 (taken in the freshman year). A grade of “C-“ or better is similarly required for the Arts & Sciences Second Writing requirement (taken after you have completed 60 credit hours). All other course require a minimum grade of “D-“ for a passing grade. It is however, important to remember that you must earn a 2.0 cumulative gpa, equivalent to a “C” average, in order to remain in good academic standing. If your gpa falls below a 2.0 or C average, you will be placed on academic probation or dismissed.
9) When should I declare my major?
As soon as you know the right one and are eligible to apply! When you have a firm idea what you want to major in, you should start the process to declare. One advantage is that you will be eligible for classes designated “majors only.”
10) Can I declare any major I want to?
That depends on you and your eligibility for the desired major. Talk to your academic advisor. Also check department websites. Each major has protocols, requirements and in some cases limitations that all effect your chances of being accepted into a desired major. The trick is advanced planning and good information; both available through consultation with your academic advisor.
11) I have a major, but I want to change. When should I apply to my desired major, and can I switch to any major I want?
See the answers to number 9 & 10 above.
12) What's a “restricted” major?
Some majors have a special application process. This may be because there are a limited number of seats, or because they accept students only at certain times of the year, or because they have competitive entry requirements. In the case of majors with competitive entry, your grades at the University of Delaware are usually the most important criterion for acceptance. A packet of glowing letters of recommendation will not make up for poor grades. It is important to do well from the start of your university career.
13) Who is my advisor?
You can check on UDSIS to learn about your assigned advisor. All UST (University Studies) students are assigned a professional advisor in the University Studies Program.
14) Can I switch advisors?
In most cases, you can. UST students should contact the University Studies Program at 831-4555 to ask to be assigned a different advisor. You can also stop in at Elliott Hall to make your request.
15) May I take classes at another college or university near my home?
Most often, yes. UD accepts transfer credit from all regionally accredited institutions, including most community colleges. Just be sure to contact the University Transfer Center in the Student Services Building (on Lovett Avenue) before you take a class at another institution. It's your responsibility to know how (and if!) the course will transfer to UD. Transfer credit may be a good way to fulfill basic general education and skills requirements. Be careful when trying to fulfill upper-level major requirements with transfer work. Talk to your advisor.
16) When should I see my advisor?
You should check in with your advisor:
• Whenever you are concerned about how you are doing.
• Whenever you are considering changing your schedule (drop/add) or before the 8-week deadline (to drop a class, switch to P/F etc.).
• Before choosing classes for the next semester.
• If you have questions about degree/major requirements.
• If you have extenuating circumstances that are beyond your control, such as illness or family problems, and you want to know your academic options.
17) How do I make an appointment to meet with my advisor?
UST students are assigned to professional advisors in Elliott Hall and can call the front desk at 831-4555 to make an appointment. You can also usually see your advisor as a “walk-in”, but this is a bit of a gamble. It is always best to call ahead.
18) How do I make sure I will be able to graduate in a timely fashion?
You need to be aware of requirements and ensure that you are making adequate progress. Some ways to keep on top of things:
a. Meet with your advisor every semester.
b. Know when you need help, and be sure to speak up to get the help you need.
c. Read your major's requirements in your Catalog and always read course descriptions of any class you plan to take (you will find them in the back of your Catalog).
d. See also: Seven Graduation Pitfalls to Avoid and Three Strategies to Ensure Timely Graduation on the UST website.
19) How do I get into a class I need if it is full or restricted?
You can try to “pink slip” into the class. To do this, you must take a pink slip to the professor and ask permission to add. Be sure to attend the class you are trying to add and then talk to the professor at the end of class. If the professor agrees to let you add the class, he or she will sign the pink slip. If it is before the Free Drop-Add deadline, you can take the slip directly to the Student Services Building on Lovett Avenue. After the two-week Free Drop-Add Deadline, your pink slip must be approved and signed in the office of your Assistant Dean or at 102 Elliott Hall for UST students. You must keep in mind that a Professor never has to honor a request to add a course.
20) Where can I find a pink slip?
You can obtain a pink slip at the Student Services Building or at the front desk of the University Studies Program located on the first floor of Elliott Hall.
21) Where do I buy books?
You can buy your books at the University Bookstore in Perkins Student Center or at any of the bookstores in downtown Newark. You can also pre-order your books on-line from the University Bookstore, and they can either ship them directly to you or can box them for you to pick up. The on-line ordering process lets you choose “Used” books if you prefer, which can offer a cost savings.
22) How will I know which books I will need?
If you order your books online through the University Bookstore, the ordering system will indicate required books for your course and section. If you want to buy your books in person, take a copy of your schedule with you to the Bookstore and the staff will help you get the books you need for each course. The correct books will also be noted on the syllabus for each course, and/or on the website for each course. Note that some books are “required”. You definitely need to purchase those. Other books are “recommended”. It is up to you if you buy those titles. Do not forget that you can often buy “Used” books to save money.
23) Where do I get my ID?
You should have received your ID when you attended DelaWorld. If not, you can get your student ID at the UD#1 Office in the Student Services Building on Lovett Avenue.
24) What do I do if my ID is lost or stolen?
Call 831-2273 and report the card as lost or stolen. Then go to the UD#1 Office in the Student Services Building on Lovett Avenue to get a new ID.
25) What is my UD Student I.D. number?
To protect your privacy, UD issues each student an I.D. number, typically 9 digits (e.g., 700-xxx-xxx). You need to memorize it and include it in all of your UD correspondence and transactions, including e-mail to faculty and University staff.
26) How do I add money to my UD Flex Account?
You can add money to your Flex account by doing one of the following: • use the self-serve Value Transfer Stations (VTS) to make a cash deposit in denominations of $5, $10, or $20.
• Make a $25 minimum deposit by check or cash at any University Box Office, or at the Cashier's Office in the Student Services Building or in the outside drop slot at Student Services.
• If you would like to mail a payment, send a check made out to “University of Delaware” to the Cashier's Office. Be sure to include an note indicating what the payment is for, as well as your full name and student I.D. number.
The address is:
Cashier's Office
116 Student Services Building
Newark, DE 19716
Written by Patricia W. Jeffery |
