Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Academic Advising?
2. What can I expect from an advisor?
3. When do I need to see an advisor?
4. Are all advisors the same?
5. When do I register for classes?
6. How do I add or drop a class after I have registered?
7. If I drop a class, does it show on my record?
8. How often should I see my advisor?
9. Should I take a class in my major in the first semester?
10. How many courses must I take to be considered a fulltime student?
11. What does “classification” mean?
12. What should I do if I want to change my degree?
13. What should I do if I have had a name, address or phone number change?
14. What should I do if I am graduating at the end of the semester?

1. What is Academic Advising?
   
   The purpose of academic advising is to help you to formulate and reach your own educational goals, while also making sure that you understand the objectives and requirements of the LASS degree. In short, advisors will help you to make the most of the opportunities that LASS has to offer.
   
   
2. What can I expect from an advisor?
   
   Perhaps it's best to start with what not to expect from an advisor. Your advisor won't tell you what classes to take, what to concentrate in, or how to get out of some requirement or another. What he or she will do is listen carefully to your questions and concerns, offer suggestions for how to match available courses and programs to your interests, and most of all, make sure that you fully understand all of the options so that you can make intelligent choices on your own.
   
   A key tenet of advising is that each student is responsible for his or her own decisions. But advisors exist because students can often use a lot of help in making those decisions. And because it's nice to have someone to keep you focused on the bigger picture: on what your education means to you, and on the learning opportunities that sometimes get lost in all of the requirements.

   An Academic Advisor Can:	An Academic Advisor Cannot:
   Describe reasonable options for your circumstances.	Make decisions for you.
   Help you to match available classes to your skills, interests, and goals.	Tell you what classes are "good" or "easy."
   Help you choose a concentration that fits your skills, interests, and goals.	Tell you what to major in.
   Help you handle academic difficulties in a timely manner.	Solve your problems if you have ignored them for too long.
   Inform you about degree requirements and college policies and procedures.

   
   
   

3. When do I need to see an advisor?
   
   We can't give a complete list, but some good examples include:
   • considering what concentration to choose
   • figuring out what requirements a given course can count towards
   • dealing with a disappointing grade
   • seeking permission to elect more than XX credits
   • getting transfer or study abroad credits approved for general requirements
   • considering the impact of a withdrawal or a pass/fail election
   • trying to make the best use of your electives to further a particular career or personal interest
   • mapping out a way to fit in all the courses you need to graduate
   • figuring out how best to prepare yourself for a graduate or professional degree
   
   
4. Are all advisors the same?
   
   No, but that doesn't mean they can't answer most types of questions. Advisors, like students, have specialties, usually derived from their own areas of expertise and teaching responsibilities at PUC. You can check the specialties of different LASS advisors by browsing the LASS Advising homepage.
   
   
5. When do I register for classes?
   
   You may make an appointment with your advisor starting in about March/April for summer and fall classes, and in October/November for spring classes. You also may register on line through PC Star, keeping in mind that you will need to see your advisor to ensure your smooth transition through college.
   
   
6. How do I add or drop a class after I have registered?
   
   If you decide to add a class after your initial registration and the registration period is still in effect, you should contact your advisor for further instructions. After the first week of classes, you must obtain the signature of the instructor and the signature of your advisor in order to add a class. A late registration fee may be incurred.
   You do not need an advisor’s signature to drop a class, but after classes start you will incur a drop fee.
   
   
7. If I drop a class, does it show on my record?
   
   A class dropped before the designated drop date will not affect your permanent academic record. Administrative withdrawals and failing grades will appear on your record, but a failing grade may be replaced by retaking the class and obtaining a higher grade.
   
   
8. How often should I see my advisor?
   
   You should see your advisor every registration period to discuss your future courses and course loads, concerns about your classes and/or major, pending graduation, and any other issue involving advising or graduation.
   
   
9. Should I take a class in my major in the first semester?
   
   Absolutely, if you have declared your major and have no other preparatory courses directly related to your major to complete.
   
   
10. How many courses must I take to be considered a fulltime student?
    
    When deciding on your schedule, consider your work hours, family time, and other obligations, as well as requirements for insurance and financial aid. Twelve credit hours is considered full time. Some students choose to take more, while others attend part time, choosing courses that add up to six credit hours or less. Remember that college courses may take more time than you think with regard reading, writing, projects, etc.
    
    
11. What does “classification” mean?
    
    Classification of a student is based upon the number of hours completed toward the intended degree. The student's academic advisor monitors this classification and updates it accordingly. Your classification may determine what courses you are eligible to take and the amount of your financial aid. The following formula is helpful in determining your student classification*:

    CREDIT HOURS	CLASSIFICATION	CATEGORY
    0-15	1	Freshman
    16-30	2	2nd Semester Freshman
    31-45	3	Sophomore
    46-60	4	2nd Semester Sophomore
    61-75	5	Junior
    76-90	6	2nd Semester Junior
    91-105	7	Senior
    106+	8	2nd Semester Senior

    * See Registration link for further explanation of classification and graduation information.

    
    
    
12. What should I do if I want to change my degree?
    
    You should speak with your academic advisor regarding your thoughts and plans. He/She may have additional information to share about your new degree and its requirements, and also can initiate the proper paperwork.
    
    
13. What should I do if I have had a name, address or phone number change?
    
    To change your address, you must contact Registration or your advisor to initiate the proper paperwork. To change your name, you must contact the Enrollment Services Center (Lawshe 130) equipped with a marriage license or a divorce decree.
    
    
14. What should I do if I am graduating at the end of the semester?
    
    You must see your advisor during your anticipated last two semesters of school. Your advisor can “unofficially” audit your record for completed courses and grade requirements. Be sure to alert your advisor of your graduation status so that he/she can initiate the paperwork for a graduation audit. You should receive direction in the mail regarding your status as a graduate and further graduation information.