University College, in conjunction with all the undergraduate schools, requires all new students to attend an orientation, advising, and registration program called Connections. During Connections, students receive an overview of campus resources, review their placement score results, receive information about the school/program in which they are interested, receive survival hints for the first six weeks, and meet with an advisor. Usually, students register immediately following their advising session, provided that their placement scores are available.
E-mail accounts are set up during Orientation sessions. Students can also go to computer centers and obtain e-mail accounts online.
In addition to tuition, students pay a $35 orientation fee. All orientation sessions—offered days, evenings, or Saturdays—require a reservation. Especially since some sessions are restricted to students interested in a particular school or program, students should contact (317) 274-4240 to make a reservation prior to Orientation.
New and transfer students receive their initial academic advising during Orientation. Other students meet with University College advisors, who help them chart their first few semesters and prepare them to transfer to their degree-granting schools. The advisors for students with dual admission will probably be advisors or faculty from their intended schools or programs.
Once students transfer to degree-granting schools, they should meet with their school’s advisors to chart the completion of required courses, to discuss post-graduation careers or further educational options, or to get help with academic difficulties. Students may be assigned an advisor, but if not, they should ask for one.
Preparing for Advising Sessions
Although advisors are here to help, students are ultimately responsible for their own success. They need to prepare themselves by learning what is required to earn their degrees and to use the tools provided by University College and the campus that aid students in making wise choices in the types and numbers of classes to take.
Elements of an Undergraduate Degree
Basic to planning a college education, rather than just semester-by-semester picking of classes, is an understanding of what components make up a college degree. Most four-year college degrees are made up of about 40 courses. These courses generally are 3 credit hour courses, though some are 1, 2, 4, 5, and even 6 credit hour courses. Each hour of credit generally means 15 hours in class (i.e., one hour per week), though in some programs, especially in the sciences, there are additional credit hours for laboratory or recitation work.
Courses fall into three categories: general-education requirements, major or concentration requirements, and electives. The exact courses that may be used in each of these areas vary according to the program of study.
First-year students generally begin with a learning community, general-education courses, and introductory courses in their majors. Courses required for college degrees are often sequential, that is they build on the content, concepts, and skills learned in lower-level courses. As a result, most schools number their courses 100, 200, 300, and 400 to indicate the order in which students should take the courses. First-year students should generally take courses in which the first number in the course number is either a 0 or 1; occasionally, first-year students might take a 200-level course.
Some courses require students to take prerequisites or lower-level courses before enrolling in the higher-level courses. Prerequisites are listed in the course descriptions in this bulletin. General-education requirements and the specific major requirements are listed in school sections of this bulletin. University College advisors also have checksheets of requirements for the different degree programs. Electives, generally five to ten courses depending on a student’s program, are usually taken during junior or senior year.
Scheduling Tools and Information
A significant tool in advising is IUCARE/Student Advising System available within INSITE via the IUPUI Web site. This online system was designed to help students and their advisors review degree requirements and student progress towards any intended IUPUI degree or a degree at any IU campus. The online system is not intended to replace regular meetings with an academic advisor. Students, however, may wish to review and print an “audit” in preparation for an advising session. The IUCARE system allows students to investigate what would happen if they changed majors or schools. This student advising system provides students with online access to transcripts and degree requirements (IUCARE), and various special purpose Web sites. For information on IUCARE, visit the Web site (registrar.iupui.edu/iucare.html).
Students planning their schedules should also consult the degree requirements in this bulletin or the appropriate checklists provided by University College advisors. The Schedule of Classes is published every March for summer and fall classes and in October for spring classes. It is mailed to all currently enrolled students. An earlier online version of the bulletin is available on February 1 for summer and fall classes and late September for spring classes at insite.indiana.edu. Potential students may request a copy of the schedule by calling the Enrollment Center or visiting any Indianapolis area public library.
If placement test results indicate that a student needs more work or a refresher in reading, writing, or mathematics, the student will be required to take these classes first. The basic skills of reading, writing, and calculating are building blocks to most other college classes. Advisors will assist students in selecting a balanced schedule with refresher courses as well as regular college classes when appropriate. In general, students will not be certified to move into their schools until they have successfully addressed any skill deficiencies they may have.
First-Year Seminars or Learning Communities
National studies have shown that successful first-year students need five elements: an introduction to campus resources and support services, the creation of a support network which is especially important on a commuter campus, on-going personal interaction with faculty and staff, the development of skills and habits basic to academic achievement, and a realization of the high expectation that the campus has for each of its learners. IUPUI has developed learning communities which include First-Year Success courses, dedicated to achieving the objectives spelled out above. Often these First-Year Success Seminars are linked with another course so that the students in the seminar can work together across classes to learn the material and otherwise support one another. The team approach in these seminars of faculty members, librarians, advisors, and student mentors provide students with in-depth knowledge and contacts for key elements of the campus. Some students such as the honors students take special First-Year Seminars and may be required to take more than one semester of these courses.
General-Education Requirements/
Introduction to Majors
Beginning students will also be advised to start on the general-education requirements for the program(s) for which they are interested. These classes may include communication skills, science, social and behavioral sciences, arts and humanities, depending on the school or program. Either in the first or second semester, especially if students are attending full time, they will be encouraged to enroll in the introductory course in their major or program. These are usually 100- level courses.
Undecided and Exploratory Options
Many students come to IUPUI uncertain of what they want to study in part because they do not know all their options and because they are unsure of their own strengths. They want to remain undecided until they explore all their options and feel more certain about their direction. “Undecided” and “exploratory” students receive special counseling to allow them to explore possible programs of study. Taking introductory courses in different fields often helps students make up their minds or determine their aptitude or interest. The advisors may urge students to go to the Career Center to investigate career options or take tests that will reflect the students’ areas of interest. There also are a number of courses specifically focused on helping students make career choices. This is a healthy process. Exploring possible options early in a college career is common and far better than changing direction in the junior or senior year.
The Merkler Style Preference Inventory Test, which helps students identify areas of interest, may be taken at any computer lab. For interpretation of the results and how the results might influence a career choice, contact University College.
