Registration for spring 2023 is coming up very soon. The registration period for undergraduates begins on Tuesday, November 1 and ends on Thursday, November 10. Every explorer must make and keep an appointment with their faculty advisor to review class selection. These appointments are extremely important. During advising sessions, students and faculty advisors will discuss a student's progress towards choosing a major or minor, consider ways to solve potential roadblocks standing in the way of fulfilling a goal, and make action plans so that, together, we can all make the most of your time at IC. Before attending an appointment, students must prepare. Here is a list of things to do:
1. Email your faculty advisor to make an appointment to see them. Plan to set aside about 30-minutes. If you prepare well, 30-minutes will suffice and give you ample time to ask questions.
2. In preparation for your appointment, peruse Homer and the ICC Grids, listed on the Integrative Core Curriculum Resources for Students website. Be sure, too, to run a Degree Works evaluation so that you can see what requirements you have already fulfilled and what you still have to complete. If you're considering declaring a major or minor, make sure to run a "What-If" analysis to get an idea of what you might have to complete.
3. As you review course offerings in Homer, create a list of between 5-8 courses you would like to take, including "back-up" classes. You will want to have "back-ups" in case you cannot get into a class you want to take. Aim to register for between 12 and 18 credits. All students must take a minimum of 12 credits to be considered fulltime, and students are generally not allowed to take more than 18 credits (see "Registration and Course Information" for more on this). Most undergraduate students take an average of 15 credits per semester (30 credits/year; 120 credits/4 years). While you're selecting classes, remember that for every hour you spend in a classroom, you are expected to do 2-3 hours worth of independent work. Taking 15 credits hours means that you will be expected to work independently outside the class for between 30-45 hours a week!
4. When you meet with your faculty advisor, be prepared to be able to tell them why you are interested or excited to take a class. Are you taking a class to complete an ICC requirement? Have you selected a course because you are interested in pursuing a major or minor? Do you simply miss doing an activity that you used to do? For example, a student might say they miss taking instrument lessons or they may want to take a class that will "force" them to find balance in their lives (e.g., meditation, mindfulness, tennis, etc.). These are all valid reasons to take courses. Your faculty advisor will want to hear about your selections and the intentions behind them. This will help your advisor to make suggestions to you during your meeting. This kind of information may also help your advisor do some trouble-shooting (e.g., if you're considering a potential major that requires math and you haven't taken the math placement test). Advisors help you avoid roadblocks.
5. Exploratory students will receive a Registration Access Code at their faculty advising appointment. Make sure that you write down your RAC so that, when you go to register, you will have it easily accessible. Without the RAC, you cannot register.
6. Thank your advisor, especially if they have been particularly helpful. Make sure to follow up with your advisor, too. Let them know that you took their advice about meeting with partner office, a colleague, etc.
7. Set an alarm and make sure to set a reminder for yourself so that you register.
Registering doesn't have to be hard or scary, and it's enjoyable if you prepare for it. So prepare, and plan to succeed! And if you have questions, just contact us. We're here to help.