1. Chapter 2Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved 1 By Mona J Casady Chapter 2 Making Academic Decisions By Mona J Casady Chapter 2 Making Academic Decisions

2. Chapter 2Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved 2 This chapter should help you to: Refer to the college catalog Meet with your academic advisor Decide on a major Plan next term’s registration Maintain a sound academic record

3. Chapter 2Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved 3 Ideas to Consider In your college catalog, read about your institution’s profile, mission, and scope Did you learn what is unique about your college? Develop appreciation and pride for your institution, which will have an impact on your future

4. Chapter 2Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved 4 Your “Contract” with the College The college catalog is like a legal contract in that it states the policies, rules, and regulations of being a student at the institution. Read and study the catalog You are responsible to know student rights and responsibilities as well as the academic regulations. Should you have a problem, neither “I did not know” nor “No one told me” is acceptable as an excuse

5. Chapter 2Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved 5 Conditions of Credit & Grade Options Be aware of these credit and grade options when you register for courses: A, B, C, D, F - Grades are figured in grade point average DP or N - Course was dropped without penalty P - Passing work (course under pass/not pass system) NP - Not passing (course under pass/not pass system)

6. Chapter 2Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved 6 Conditions of Credit & Grade Options (cont’d) I - Incomplete (a small portion of course was not completed) A or V - Student enrolled in and attended the course as an auditor Credits are earned for the grades A, B, C, and D No credit is earned if the grade is any of the other options: F, DP or N, P, NP, I, A or V

7. Chapter 2Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved 7 Preparing to meet with your advisor You will be accepting your responsibilities if you: Make the appointment with your advisor; keep it and be on time Call the advisor in advance to reschedule if you are unable to keep the appointment

8. Chapter 2Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved 8 Preparing to meet with your advisor (cont’d) Are knowledgeable about the catalog and class schedule book or web site Bring the catalog, class schedule book, and your academic records to the appointment Are prepared to ask intelligent questions about your degree program Make a list of questions to ask your advisor

9. Chapter 2Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved 9 When meeting with your academic advisor Make the appointment early when the advisor has ample time to work with you Share your goals, problems, successes, and failures Keep records and bring them to the advisement appointment

10. Chapter 2Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved 10 When meeting with your academic advisor (cont’d) Take initiative to ask questions; be assertive Keep notes from each discussion with your advisor Request another advisor if you are not getting adequate assistance Take responsibility to know the rules and requirements affecting you

11. Chapter 2Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved 11 Have you decided on a major? Access the Internet to help you explore “What Can I Do with a Major in... ” http://www.uncwil.edu/stuaff/career/Majors/majors.htm

12. Chapter 2Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved 12 Planning Next Term’s Schedule You will have the most efficient schedule and most successful experiences next term when you: Avoid blocking more than two courses back to back Avoid scheduling too many intermittent one-hour breaks

13. Chapter 2Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved 13 Planning Next Term’s Schedule (cont’d) Balance your schedule with a variety of course types Schedule some classes to meet on Monday, Wednesday, & Friday and other classes to meet on Tuesday & Thursday Consider the courses in which you might need special help

14. Chapter 2Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved 14 Maintaining a Sound Academic Record Keep in mind the following tips as you work to maintain a sound academic record…

15. Chapter 2Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved 15 Maintaining a Sound Academic Record (cont’d) Seek: Consistency of credit-hour loads from term to term Mostly A’s and B’s An N instead of an F if you are having such difficulty in a course that it cannot be brought up to a passing grade

16. Chapter 2Copyright 2002 Houghton Mifflin Company - All Rights Reserved 16 Maintaining a Sound Academic Record Avoid: D’s, F’s, N’s, and I’s Disciplinary charges Encumbrance codes (block codes) Your academic record reveals a great deal about you. Maintaining a good one will impress potential employers and graduate schools