Common Questions

Support Tools from Academic Advisement

What is a typical course load?
To be considered a “full time” undergraduate at Augusta State University, a student should take 12 semester credit hours. A typical load for an undergraduate consists of five, three hour courses taken over a fifteen week term. Due to work or other considerations, a student may wish to take a lighter load. A student may not take more than 18 semester hours without special permission.

How does a student get into a closed class?
Permission to enroll in a closed class must be granted on BANNER by the instructor of the class or the chairman of the department offering the class. Once permission is on BANNER, the student may register for that course after his/her designated day and time. Such requests should not be made casually. Most departments monitor their course enrollments very closely, and increase seats at critical registration points as feasible. Students should watch for seat openings on-line.

How does a student locate a tutor?
Students needing academic assistance should seek it out as early in the term as possible. The instructor or department offering the course for which academic assistance is needed may be able to provide names of tutors (fees vary). Some departments offer free Help Labs during the term which may provide the necessary assistance.

How many electives does a student have?
Electives are major specific and most majors limit the number of electives a student may apply toward the degree. There is no “bank” of electives to deposit courses that do not count in any particular area. It is therefore prudent for a student to work closely with an advisor to develop and track his/her educational plan.

What cocurricular activities are available?
To become involved in areas outside the classroom that complement academic undertakings, contact the Office of Student Activities. The office coordinates and funds a variety of activites such as the Student Government Association, student newspaper, student magazine, student clubs and organizations, the Lyceum Series, the Film Series, Intramural and club sports, choir, band, and theatre.

Who answers questions about Financial Aid?
The Financial Aid Office provides information on Federal and State tuition assistance, the work study program, and student loans, scholarships, and grants. Questions regarding Financial Aid are best answered by the Financial Aid Office. Students should be encouraged to first check their aid in ELROY (Pipeline account) before visiting the office.

Who assists students in career planning?
The Academic Advisement Center assists students in focusing on the different majors offered at Augusta State University and their requirements. Academic Advisement's Major Decisions 101 guide to the process of selecting a major is located on their website. The Counseling and Testing Center's services include career counseling in both individual and group/workshop format, a career library, quarterly career workshops, and interactive computer programs (DISCOVER, CASSI). Academic departments offer a variety of supports and information resources for their majors. The Career Center conducts workshops on interviewing, resume writing and effective job search strategies. The Cooperative Education programs offered through the Career Center enable students to gain practical experience in their chosen field while earning income and sometimes academic credit.

How does a student change major?
Before initiating a change of major, a student should confer with his/her academic advisor and carefully assess the impact of such change on the student's educational plan. A student may declare a major on-line in their Pipeline account (ELROY tab, Personal Information, Change of Major). (A student may also declare in person in Student Records by completing the form.) It is recomended that a student change early in the term, before midterm, to allow ample time for processing, transferring of records, and correct preparation of registration advising materials. A student should then become familiar with the new advising department's procedures and establish a working relationship with the new advisor.

| Advising Edge | ADV101 | ADV102 | ADV103 | ADV104 | Calendars | |

| Previous Page | Contents |

size=2 width="100%" noshade color=black align=center>

Search ASU Web | Directory | News & Events | What's New on ASU's Web Site

Last updated 23-Mar-2009
Questions or comments? Send email to Advising Edge at startup@aug.edu
Return to Augusta State University home page