Academic Advisement Reminders
Every semester I advise a large number of students. Most of the time, they all have the same concerns. Listed below are a few comments I have regarding the registration process that all students should keep in mind.
1) Area Studies Requirement - every college or university requires that students complete courses for "Area Studies" requirements. These are the courses that are meant to provide every student with a "broad" education. You generally need to complete a couple courses in each curriculum area (Natural Science, Social Science, Arts & Literature, Math, History, etc.). It is extremely important that all students thoroughly understand their degree requirements and determine how many Area Studies courses they need to complete in order to graduate (usually two). Check with your advisor and know your "Degree Requirement Sheet" or "Audit Sheet" forwards and backwards. Also remember that there is usually a select list of courses that will fulfill an Area Studies Requirement (not every History course will fulfill the History Area Studies Requirement, for example).
2) International and Cultural Diversity Requirement - Most colleges and universities require students to complete a few courses that fulfill the International and Cultural Diversity Requirement. This requirement is geared towards providing students with exposure to different cultures. Generally, students take two courses to fulfill this requirement. As with the Area Studies Requirement, there are usually a select group of courses that fulfill this requirement - check with your advisor and/or your course catalog before choosing a course.
3) Deals - Sometimes advisors allow students to take a course to fulfill a requirement that usually would not be acceptable. If your advisor makes such an allowance, GET IT IN WRITING!
Neil's Quick Tips
- Focus on area studies until you've selected a major
- Take area studies that fulfill more than one requirement - take a history course that fulfills both the
Area Studies AND Cultural Diversity Requirement, for example
- Keeping up with your advisor is crucial
- Ask upper classman about courses/professor (find out WHY they liked/disliked a course or professor)
- Ask professors about classes they are teaching next semester so you know what they are going to require
- Ask about independent studies if a class you need is not being offered
Taughannock Falls in New York State - 2002