If
I begin as Undeclared, will I be behind once I declare
a major?
With rare exception NO. The Academic Advising Center will
help
you select courses that will work toward
almost
every
major.
The number of courses you take will be the same whether you
have
declared a major or not.
What
classes will I be taking my Freshman year?
Undeclared majors and most majors for that matter--concentrate
on taking University Core Curriculum their Freshman year.
See Typical
First Year Schedule for more information.
What
is the Core Curriculum?
For a detailed list of the core curriculum see the
Core Curriculum Requirements page. In general the core
curriculum
(42 - 46 hrs.) is a set of required courses which guarantees
all SFA
graduates will have a broad-based academic foundation. Most
of the
core requirements are common to every major. In the categories
where there are choices, your advisor will help you select
the
appropriate course(s).
Who
is my advisor?
Full time advisors
in the Academic Advising Center will advise
Undeclared students. Students who have declared a major will
be
assigned to an advisor in the appropriate department.
Where
is my advisor?
If you are Undeclared, your advisor is in the Academic Advising
Center located in the Ferguson building room 340. If you have
declared a major, then go to the department
where your
major is located.
Am
I required to have a minor?
Most majors do require a minor or a second major. You do not
have to
declare your minor or second major your first year.
Do
majors and minors need to be in the same college?
Not at all. A minor should be selected which compliments your
major and better prepares you for the career opportunities
you will be seeking.
How
do I learn about majors, minors, and careers?
1. As an Undeclared student, a good place to start is to meet
with your advisor.
2. Use the services of the Career and Counseling Center on
the 3rd Floor Rusk Building, licensed counselors
will assist
you with taking one of the interest
survey tests available
at no charge.
3. Browse the World Wide Web for information on careers of
interest.
4. Talk with other students.
5. Visit the departments and ask to meet with a faculty advisor.
6. Almost every major on campus has a student club, attend
a
meeting.
How do I calculate my
GPA?
1. If this is your first semester, go to GPA
information.
2. If this is your 2nd or more semester, then an advisor can
help you.
What is academic probation?
The first semester your cumulative GPA fall below a 2.00,
then you are on academic probation.
What is academic suspension?
If your cumulative GPA remains below a 2.00 for two consecutive
semesters, your are on academic suspension.
What is the repeat policy?
See repeat
policy.
If
I repeat take a class does it have to be with the
same instructor?
No, but you must take the same topic. For example, MUS 140-Music
Appreciation
has three different topics, should you need to repeat MUS
140, you must retake
the same topic of study.
May
I take the same class at another college and university
and have it replace the grade at SFA?
No. A course MUST be repeated at SFA to replace the grade.
I have Texas Success Initiative
(TSI) questions.
The TSI office is located in Ferguson
291, or call 5803, or visit
the Texas Success Initiative webpage.
I
have several questions related to developmental classes;
here they are:
A. Do grades in
developmental classes count in my GPA?
No.
B. Do developmental
classes count toward my semester load?
Yes.
C. Do developmental
classes apply to my degree plan for graduation?
No.
Where
do I find help for a class?
The Academic Assistance Resource Center AARC located
in the library
is the place! This center offers a variety of tutoring services,
all free.
Do not wait until the day or night before tests, seek help
early and often.
If
I drop a class will it hurt my GPA?
Timing is the key. Every semester there is a last day to drop
courses.
Courses dropped on or before this day will appear as a W on
your
transcript and will not affect your GPA.
How
can I find out what courses are required for a specific major?
You can read the bulletin, talk with an advisor in the Academic
Advising
Center, or talk with an advisor in the department of interest.
Once
I have decided on a major, what do I do?
See Declaring
a Major.
