Q&A Home Page What's a Semester?
A Transition Support tool from Augusta State University Academic Advisement
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What is a Semester?
A semester is a period of instruction lasting 15 weeks. Midterm marks the halfway point in the semester and the last day to drop a course without penalty. During the second half of the term, eligible continuing students may priority register for the following semester. Exams follow at the end of each term (see course syllabus or Student Records for exam schedule.)
On a semester system, the academic calendar is split between two terms, Fall and Spring. A shorter Summer term with an array of sessions is also offered. Holidays, graduation ceremonies, and term breaks are incorporated in the academic calendar within the parameters set by the University System. The University System of Georgia schools converted to a semester system with the Fall 1998 term, joining the majority of universities and colleges in the United States.
Academic calendar information is available in the Course Schedule Booklet, and on the web in a variety of formats. For ASU calendars by term, visit: http://www.aug.edu/advisingedge
Tips for Success
Keep in regular contact with your advising department (see Q&A: Where's My Major?), and keep the University current on how to contact you. [Contact Student Records (Payne Hall 1st floor, 706-737-1409) to update your phone or mailing address.]
With your advisor, develop an academic plan for completing your degree program. Track your academic progress by checking off completed courses. Follow through on details.
Budget your money carefully. On semesters, you pay fees and buy books twice a year. Fee Chart
Create a study plan and follow it. A general rule is a minimum of 2-3 hours of study for every hour of class. You will need to manage your time effectively to accommodate your academic commitments - lectures, labs, outside assignments, study sessions, special projects, etc.
Make full use of the resources and co-curricular opportunities available to you. Visit your advising department regularly. Talk with your instructors. Use the Writing Center and other help labs. Take advantage of the free seminars and leadership activities. Attend 2-3 co-curricular events each term. Check out ASU on the web. Maximize your collegiate experience!
How Many Classes should I take?
In order to graduate in a timely manner, you should earn about 15 credit hours each semester (example: five 3 hour classes). Keep in mind your academic strengths and weaknesses as you select course combinations and load. Most ASU classes are worth 3 credit hours, but some may carry 1, 2, or 4 credit hours (check catalog). To become a "full time" undergraduate at ASU, you would take at least 12 hours. (For graduate students, 9 hours constitutes full-time status.) You may register for up to 18 hours without special permission.
Usually, semester courses meet either three times per week (Monday+Wednesday+Friday) or twice a week (Monday+Wednesday or Tuesday +Thursday). The chart on the left lists the typical semester class periods:
What happens to my ASU quarter courses?
The Office of the Registrar is responsible for your student record. That office handles the necessary conversions regarding any ASU quarter hours that you have earned. The key factor for continuing students impacted by the conversion to semesters is the successful satisfaction of courses toward your degree program. In tracking your academic plan, you may find the Semester Conversion tables located on the web helpful: http://www.aug.edu/advisingedge/
Semester transition students should work closely with their academic advisors to adapt their academic plan to any changes any the curriculum which might necessitate a course substitution for a course that is no longer offered or a re-ordering of coursework based on semester scheduling. Students entering FA98 or later, or returning after two years follow the semester catalog.
What else should I know?
If this is your first semester, check out the ACES First Term Survival Guide which takes you through your initial term at ASU. The ACES Weekly Planing Calendars, available in PDF format, are good tools for all students. Other pieces that may prove useful are:
What's Semester Core? - ASU Semester Core Curriculum
Where's My Major? - Undergraduate programs by department
What's Academic Standing? - GPA's, Class, Dean's List, Probation, Suspension
All are available from UMAC (Washington Hall, 3rd floor) @ http://www.aug.edu/startup
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