Frequently Asked Questions Answers

Answers

• Who is my academic advisor and how can I contact him/her?

  For a list of advisors and their contact information,
  Click here and look under your major to find your advisor.
  Always bring your SAPR when you meet with your advisor.

• When can I see my academic advisor?
  
  You may see your advisor by making an appointment or by coming to their walk-in hours (if available). Please note that some matters require an appointment and cannot be dealt with during walk-in hours. Contact your advisor to make an appointment or to find out if they have walk-in hours.
  Click here to view advisor contact information
  (link to "Advising Contacts").
  
  No appointment is required to see an advisor during walk-in hours; students are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. During busy times such as the first few weeks of the semester and priority registration period, expect to wait an hour or more to get in to see the advisor.
  
• What should I bring with me to an appointment or walk-in?
  
  You MUST ALWAYS bring a current (no older than two weeks) SAPR (Student Academic Progress Report) every time you meet with your advisor!!! If you do not have a SAPR, you may be directed to get a SAPR. To print a SAPR sign into your
  Student Link (External Link), and click on "SAPR" and "create a SAPR".
  

• If I don’t like one of my classes, is it okay to just stop going to class?
  
  No! If you stop going to class without dropping the class, you will receive an "E" grade. Through the fourth week of classes in the fall and spring semesters, you may drop via Web Reg, and the class will be deleted from your record. After the fourth week of classes, you may withdraw if you are passing the course using a Drop/Add form. You will need your instructor’s signature in order to withdraw from the class. You will receive a "W" in the class. After the 8th week of classes, you may withdraw from a class only if you submit a Late Change Petition and it is approved. You must document reasons beyond your control that caused you to miss earlier drop or withdraw dates (for the Late Change Petition to be considered). The Late Change Petition can be picked up in Douglass 101.
  
  Drop/Add Form
• How can I find out the deadlines for dropping and adding classes?
  
  Deadlines can be found at the University Wide Calendar online. It is your responsibility to know what the University deadlines are.
  
  University Wide Calendar (External Link)
  
• I dropped one class and added another class using a drop/add form. How can I check to make sure that these changes in my class schedule were definitely made?

  ALWAYS check your schedule on Student Link after you have made changes. It is your responsibility to do so! It is also wise to check your schedule on Student Link several times a semester to be sure that it is correct. You will be responsible for all classes you are registered for, so when you a drop or add a class, check to make sure the changes were made. Keep a copy of the drop/add form and all other UA forms.
  

• I was registered for a class that I never attended and now I have received an "E" grade, what can I do?
  
  You will need to file for a retroactive withdrawal from the course. In order to do this you must file a General Petition. You may pick up the General Petition paperwork in Douglass 101. For more information about General Petitions click here.
  
  General Petitions (External Link)
  
• What happens if I don’t meet the deadline to drop a class?
  After the fourth week of classes, you may still withdraw from the class, but you will need your instructor’s signature on the drop/add (change of schedule) form and you must be passing the class. You will receive a "W" on your transcript. After the eighth week of classes, you must file a Late Change Petition in order to withdraw from a class. You must be able to document reasons why you did not meet earlier deadlines to drop or withdraw in order for your petition to be considered. You may pick up the Late Change Petition in Douglass 101.
  

• How many second language classes do I need to take to fulfill the requirement?
  
  The number of second language classes that you need to fulfill the requirement varies by degree. All BA degrees require 4th semester proficiency in a second language. All BS degrees require 2nd semester proficiency. This is the only requirement that is based upon proficiency. If you place high enough on the placement test you may not need to take any second language classes (for example, if you place into SPAN 253 you will not need to take any Spanish classes because you have met the proficiency requirement.)
  
• I am proficient in a second language; can I take a test to earn language credit?
  
  Yes, you may take the CLEP test (College Level Examination Program) to earn credit if you have completed less than 55 units. Contact the Testing Office at 621-7589 or www.ulc.arizona.edu/testing for more information
  
• I want to take the CLEP test to satisfy my second language requirements, but I have more than 55 units, what can I do?
  
  In order to be given permission to take the CLEP test with more than 55 units, SBS students must submit a request to the SBS Academic Advising Coordinator. Please call
  (520) 626-0606 for more information.
  

• How is my grade point average (GPA) calculated? How can I figure out what grades I need to get to bring up my GPA?
  To view complete instructions on how to calculate your GPA, click:
  
  http://catalog.arizona.edu/2004-05/policies/gpa.htm.
  (External Link)
  
  You can determine the number of units of A or B you need to reach a target GPA by using the AB Deficit Calculator:
  
  AB Deficit Calculator (External Link)
  
• What happens when you GRO a course?
  
  When you file to GRO a course, the previous grade that you had received in the identical course will be replaced with the most recent. The first grade is taken out of your grade point average. The grade you earn in the class the second time will be the grade calculated into your GPA, even if the grade is lower than the first.
  
  You must register for the identical course a second time before the GRO deadline. You don’t have to GRO a course immediately. You can GRO a course any time during your career at UA as long as it is the identical course number and title. You have a limit of 3 GRO attempts for 3 courses, or no more than 10 units, during your academic career.
  
  You cannot GRO a course at another institution or through correspondence; you may only use the GRO option with University of Arizona courses. To get more information about the Grade Replacement Opportunity click here:
  
  http://www.registrar.arizona.edu/gro/default.htm (External Link)
  
• I didn't do very well my first semester. Can I take classes at Pima Community College or another community college to raise my GPA?
  
  No, when you take classes at another institution and transfer them to the UA, you will only receive course credit if you have earned a "C" or better in the course(s). Your grade in the course(s) will not be calculated into your UA GPA.
  
• Will a correspondence course help improve my GPA?
  
  No, grades received for correspondence courses are not calculated into your grade-point average.
  

• Am I required to be a full time student? How many units do I need for full time status?
  
  Full time status is 12 units or more. Some students may need to be full time because of insurance purposes or financial aid or scholarship requirements. Check with those departments/companies to see what the requirements are.
  
• When can I enroll for my next semester courses?
  
  You can enroll for next semester courses during Priority Registration. Priority registration is a special block of time when continuing students may register for classes depending on their class standing. Priority registration is the first time you can register for classes so it is very important that you are aware of your priority registration date. For priority registration dates, go to the following website and click on the semester you will be registering for:
  
  http://www.registrar.arizona.edu/schedules/rsvpindex.htm (External Link)
  
• What classes should I register for next semester?

  It is recommended that you meet with your advisor at least three weeks before your priority registration date to go over your class schedule for the upcoming semester. Also, you may use your SAPR to help you go over what classes you still need to take.
  

• If I want to plan my class schedule to take classes only on certain days or at certain times, is there an easy way to do that?
  
  Yes! There is an online tool called the Course Query Wizard that can be used to help you plan your schedule. The Course Query Wizard can be found in the top right corner of the Schedule of Classes page.
  
  https://sl3.ccit.arizona.edu/student_link/cqw-begin.asp
  (External Link)
  

• I need to change my major, where do I begin?
  
  You will need to meet with an advisor in the major that you wish to change to. They will go over requirements for the new major with you. They will also give you a change of major form to complete and turn in. If you are a non-SBS major and want to declare an SBS major, you will need to meet with a general education advisor in Douglass 101 as well as a major advisor to go over general education requirements.
  
• I need to change/add my minor, where do I begin?
  
  You may need to speak with an advisor in your minor in order to declare that minor. Some minors do not require the student to meet with an advisor. Contact your minor advisor to see if you need to meet with them.
  
• Where do I find out about my major requirements?
  
  Your SAPR (Student Academic Progress Report) will show you all the requirements for your major. It will also show all the classes you have completed thus far. To create a SAPR, go to Student Link (www.arizona.edu/student_link) and click on "SAPR" and "create a SAPR."
  
  Student Link (External Link)
  
• Do I have to have a minor?
  
  Yes. All degrees in SBS require completion of a minor.

• I have AP credits, CLEP credits, and also some community college credits I earned while I was in high school. Will all of these be elective credits, or can they be used to fulfill general education requirements, and/or major and minor requirements?
  
  It is possible that some credits may fulfill general education requirements, major requirements or minor requirements. You need to meet with your advisor to determine which requirements are satisfied by your transfer credits.
  
• This is my first year at the University of Arizona, but I am considered a sophomore. How does class standing work?
  
  Class Standing is determined by the number of credits you have completed. If you are unsure about the number of units you have completed create a SAPR or sign into your Student Link and click on "Academic" and "Profile" look under "Cumulative U of A units".
  In the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences:
  
  Freshman-- 0-24 units completed
  
  Sophomore-- 25-55 units completed
  
  Junior-- 56-86 units completed
  
  Senior-- 87+ units completed
  
• Can I take summer classes at another college or university that will count toward my degree at UA?
  
  Yes, you may take classes at another college or university to fulfill University of Arizona requirements. You must complete the Transfer Credit Pre-approval Form (www.registrar.arizona.edu/forms/TransferPreapproval.pdf) to verify that the institution is an accredited University or College, and you need to meet with your advisor to find out how the transfer courses will apply to your degree program. You must receive a "C" or better in order to have the credit transferred to the University of Arizona.
• What is an AGEC?
  
  AGEC stands for Arizona General Education Curriculum. It is a common structure of general education classes that can be taken at an Arizona Community College and used to fulfill University General Education requirements. The AGEC is a minimum of 35 semester units of lower division general education courses. AGEC completion fulfills all lower-division general education requirements such as Composition, Mathematics, Tier 1 and Tier 2. AGEC does not cover Second Language requirements or prerequisites for specific majors or minors even though these classes may be available at a community college and may transfer. To be sure a class taken at a community college transfers, please refer to the Course Equivalency Guide Course Equivalency Guide. For more information about AGEC click here:
  
  http://catalog.arizona.edu/2004-05/policies/agec.htm
  (External Link)
  
• How do I know if a class I have taken at a community college will transfer to the UA?
  
  Use the Course Equivalency Guide. Contact your advisor before registering to ensure it is the correct course.
  
• I have AP credits, how do they transfer?
  
  AP credits can fulfill many University requirements including general education, major, or minor requirements. To find out what requirement your AP credit fulfills, see the chart on this page. (http://catalog.arizona.edu/2003-04/policies/apexam.htm). Please call (520) 626-0606 to make an appointment with an advisor or come to walk-in hours for the SBS Advising Center to ensure the courses are correctly substituted for UA courses. If you are a Psychology or Communication major, contact your major advisor in Psychology or Communication for all advising.
  
• Where do I send my transcripts from other Colleges and Universities?
  
  For continuing students:
  
  Transfer Evaluation
  Office of Curriculum & Registration
  The University of Arizona
  P.O. Box 210066
  Tucson, AZ 85721-0066
  
  

• Will someone be contacting me and telling me when I have to register and when deadlines are for things like GRO, paying fees, etc.?
  
  No, it is your responsibility to know University dates and deadlines. For a list of important dates and deadlines click here.
  
  http://catalog.arizona.edu/2004-05/0405cal.html (External Link)
  
• I was very ill last semester and missed a lot of classes. I notified my instructors that I would have to miss classes, but some of them didn’t allow me to make up the work so I failed some classes. Is there anything else I should have done? Anything I can do now?
  
  You could have withdrawn from your classes due to medical reasons or you could have requested from your instructors that you receive an Incomplete. At this point, you could file a General Petition to retroactively withdraw from your classes. For more information about General Petitions, click here.
  
  www.registrar.arizona.edu/petitions (External Link)
  
• Where can I look up academic policies at the University of Arizona for my catalog year?
  
  You can find information about University policies on their website, click here:
  
  http://catalog.arizona.edu/ (External Link)
  
• I need to take a semester off, what do I need to do?
  
  You will need to file for a Leave of Absence. You can do so by filling out the Leave of Absence form that can be picked up in Douglass 101. In order to qualify for a Leave of Absence you must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0, you must be registered for the semester immediately before the beginning of the leave, your University account must be paid in full, and you must have no pending disciplinary action.
  
• I have received a grade that I feel should have been higher, what procedure should I follow?
  
  The first step is to speak with your instructor and explain your concerns about the grade that you received and why you believe it was given incorrectly. If the instructor does not agree to change the grade and you still feel the grade was awarded incorrectly, you may file a Grade Appeal. To file a Grade Appeal you must speak with Karen Coleman in the SBS Dean’s Office (only if you are an SBS student), 520-621-1112.
  

• What is a degree check and how do I start the process?
  
  Every student planning to graduate within a semester or earlier must file a degree check. To begin the degree check process, you must meet with your graduation services advisor unless you are a History, Political Science, or Psychology major. These majors begin the degree check process by meeting with the major advisor.
  
  For a list of graduation services advisors click here.
  For a list of major advisors click here.
  
• Who is my graduation services advisor?
  
  For a list of graduation services advisors click here
  
  

• What are the requirements for the Dean’s List, Dean’s List with Distinction, and Honorable Mention awards?
  
  Click here for the requirements
  
  Students receiving academic awards are recognized at the Honors Convocation each fall semester. Contact the Social and Behavioral Sciences Dean’s Office (www.sbs.arizona.edu) for more information about Convocation.
  
• How do I know if I have received an award?
  
  You can view awards received by signing into Student Link and clicking on "Grades." If you have received an award for that semester it will be posted there.
  
  

• I feel overwhelmed! I’m having a hard time coping! Where can I find help?
  
  You may be able to find help from a counselor at Campus Health. For more information about Counseling and Psychological Services see their website.
  
  Click here.
  
• Where can I find tutoring on campus?
  
  Sometimes particular departments offer tutoring, contact the department you are interested in receiving tutoring in to see what is available. The University Learning Center offers tutoring as well to a wide variety of students. For more information about The University Learning Center click here.
  
  http://www.ulc.arizona.edu (External Link)
  
• Where can I find a listing of campus resources?
  
  There are many resources available for students, see the following website for a list of these resources:
  
  http://advising.arizona.edu/students/resources.html
  (External Link)