The registration queue determines when you can register for classes. It is based on the number of credits you have completed, your student status (full-time or part-time), and your last name. You can register any time after your queue date comes up. You can check the queue online.

Where can I pick up a class schedule?

After fall 2003, the Twin Cities campus will no longer offer printed class schedules. Class schedules are available online.

The class I need has seats available, but the meeting times do not fit my schedule. What should I do?

For lab courses, you should arrange your schedule to accommodate the sections that are open. If you can’t, it is possible that another section will soon open and you should continue to check the Web.
For other courses, you should check with the department offering the course.

If you are on the four-year graduation plan and are in lower division, be sure to check in with 128 Lind Hall within 48 hours of your registration date if you are having trouble finding open classes.

I am working more than 20 hours next semester and can only take 10 credits. What should I do?

If you were admitted to the University before fall 2002, you may take the number of credits you prefer. We encourage you to consider another solution to your financial situation (unless it is an internship) so you could be a full-time student. Ultimately you decide the rate of your degree progress, but most students are more successful when school takes priority. However, certainly there are situations in students’ lives that prohibit full-time registration.

If you were admitted to the University in fall 2002 or later, you are required to take 13 credits per term. If you feel you cannot do that, you may complete an exemption form. Please remember that employment does not necessarily exempt you from the 13-credit tuition. When you complete the form, accurately and clearly state your situation.

How do I drop a class?

During the first two weeks of a term you may drop the course online through the Registration/Enrollment site. A course dropped during this time period will disappear from your record. During the third week through the last day of the eighth week, you may drop a course but will receive a W on your transcript. This does not affect your GPA. You can view the drop/add deadlines online.

Each student may exercise a discretionary course cancellation once during his/her tenure at the University. This cancellation can occur after the eighth week but must be requested by the last day of the term for that course. Lower division students must see an advisor in 128 Lind Hall before they can use the discretionary cancellation. You may never cancel a course once final exam week has begun.

If you have been ill or if there has been a traumatic event in your life, with documentation you may request to withdraw from a class. Please discuss your situation with your advisor.

How can I obtain a copy of my transcript?

Your transcript can be viewed online or a paper copy can be obtained at 200 Fraser Hall.

What is an APAS report? Where can I see it?

Your APAS reports all the courses you have taken here at the University and elsewhere. It also lists credits awarded through Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate. Although credits that satisfy liberal education requirements are usually reported correctly, the departmental technical requirements are sometimes not accurate for lower division students because these students are not yet admitted to departments.

View your APAS report online or obtain a paper copy at 200 Fraser Hall. Corrections to APAS should be directed to 106 Lind Hall.

I took a class at another university and do not see the correct credit reflected in my APAS report. How do I get the error fixed?

If you are inquiring about technical courses, you should see an advisor in 105 Lind Hall. If your questions concern liberal education courses, you need to go to the prospective Office in 240 Williamson Hall. You should see someone as soon as you notice there is a problem.

What is a technical GPA, and what classes count towards it?

The technical GPA is used to determine admission to upper division majors. It is calculated from science, math, computer science, and engineering courses (with the exception of Bio 1009 and Geo 1001) that are required for any IT major. Please note that preparatory courses such as precalculus and Chem 1011 do NOT count towards the technical GPA.

How does grade bracketing work?

If you repeat a course at the University, the second grade counts in your GPA. The first grade will always show on your record (in brackets), but will not be included in the GPA calculation. Grades that are transferred from another institution DO NOT COUNT towards the U of M GPA, nor can these grades be used to bracket an existing grade at the University.
I received a D in a course. Do I need to take it again?

You must repeat a course required for your major if you earn less than a C-. If you earn a D in a course you will receive credit for it, but it will not fulfill degree requirements if it is required for your major. You can earn a D or D+ in a liberal education course and do not need to repeat it. If the second grade is lower than the first grade, it is still the second grade that counts. You may repeat any given course once only.

Majors and upper division

How do I declare/change my major?

As a lower division student you may stop by 128 Lind Hall (the Lower Division Programs office) and complete a half-sheet major declaration form. Changing your major in lower division does not imply that you are admissible to that major.

When you reach the 60-credit limit, you must apply to a specific major in upper division; however, you can apply before reaching this limit if you have taken the appropriate classes for your major. Application forms for admission to upper division and a list of the classes required for admission are in 105 Lind Hall, 128 Lind Hall, and online (refer to section on admission to upper division, below).

For information about changing a major, refer to the changing majors section of Student One Stop.

What is a DUGS (or DUS)? When should I talk to him/her?

The director of undergraduate studies (DUGS) in each department oversees the undergraduate programs. Each department’s DUGS operates somewhat differently. You will usually see the DUGS when it is time to plan your upper division technical program, as he/she approves your programs for graduation. The DUGS also approves exceptions to degree programs, when appropriate. These exceptions are rare.

If you are having difficulty in a course that you think might partly be attributable to an instructor, you would take your concern to the DUGS.

Contact information for the DUGS and their assistants can be found on the individual departmental Web sites.

What are the requirements for admission to upper division?

To be admitted to upper division, you must have successfully completed or be registered for the courses designated for your major and your technical GPA must meet or exceed the requirements designated by your intended major. (Your technical GPA is listed on your APAS report). If the required courses are in progress, your technical GPA must be either 2.5 or 0.3 above the required GPA, whichever is higher. Course and technical GPA requirements are listed on the application form for upper division admission.

Application form for students admitted to U before fall 2002
Application form for students admitted to U in fall 2002 or later

How do I pursue a double major?

You may earn more than one degree in any fields you like. Consult the Web site on changing majors for instructions on declaring additional majors and minors. Keep in mind that some programs have very different requirements and will add quite a bit more time to your graduation date.

It is a good idea before planning the two majors to talk with your academic advisor. In many cases, it is more useful to earn one bachelors degree and then go to graduate school for an advanced degree. In some cases, a master's degree can be earned almost as quickly as a double major and may be more useful to your career. Also keep in mind that an advanced degree can sometimes be earned in a related department.

If you are considering earning dual degrees in CLA and IT, you may want to apply for the IDEAS scholarship (Integrated Degrees in Engineering, Arts, and Sciences), which supports programs that provide increased breadth and depth in liberal arts, business, and technical management.

How do I find out the requirements for a particular minor?

Check the college catalog listing for the department offering the minor and review the undergraduate majors information. Requirements for freestanding minors can also be found online. It is always a good idea to talk with an advisor or faculty member in the minor department.

How do I add a minor to my academic program?

You should visit the academic department that offers your intended minor and request a minor declaration form. Bring the completed form to 105 Lind Hall to have the minor recorded.

How do I find out what the required courses are for subfields within a different major?

Information is available from the individual department regarding degree specialization. Usually, detailed plans are available on the department Web sites. You can also stop by the departmental office to ask for printed information regarding the major. Detailed questions can be directed to the director of undergraduate studies in your department.

I am not really happy in IT and am thinking of transferring to Carlson School of Management (CSOM), the College of Liberal Arts (CLA), etc. What should I do?

First, look into the requirements for the major you are considering and start talking with advisors or faculty in that department. IT lower division advisors will help you in the transition to your new college. Be particularly careful of the GPA requirements. After you have decided to change colleges, you may access the Change of College form online or pick one up in 105 Lind Hall. Be sure to check change-of-college deadlines. If you apply after the deadline, your transfer will be delayed anywhere between one semester and one year. Some colleges, like CSOM and the College of Pharmacy, only admit for fall. Applications for transfer should be directed to the Office of the Registrar Student Services Center, 200 Fraser Hall.

How do I meet with a CLA advisor to decide if I want to transfer out of IT?

Rather than meeting with a CLA advisor in one of the advising communities, it would be best to meet with someone in a CLA department offering the major that interests you. It is also a good idea to discuss this step with an IT advisor in 128 Lind Hall.

Class work

What is the difference between the IT calculus sequence (Math 1371, 1372, 2373, 2374) and the traditional calculus sequence (Math 1271, 1272, 2243, 2263)?

The IT calculus sequence (1371, etc.) consists of two lecture hours per week and three discussion hours. Homework is a major part of the final grade. You will have more time during discussions to go over problems and work collaboratively on homework with other students. An emphasis is placed on exploring math through graphing calculators and simulation programs such as Mathematica and MatLab. A block of seats is saved for IT students, giving them registration priority; however, students from other colleges are also allowed to enroll in this sequence.

The traditional calculus sequence (1271, etc.) is open to IT students as well as to students from other colleges. It consists of three lecture hours each week and two discussion hours. Although completion of homework is critical to success in the course, it is a small portion of the final grade. During discussion hours you will take exams, and the teaching assistant will go over problems brought up by students.

Both course sequences cover essentially the same material, and both offer appropriate preparation for all IT majors.

I really think I should be in Calc 1 and not precalculus. I do not think the pretest reflects my abilities. What should I do?

We recommend that you register for the class indicated by the pretest (precalculus, in this case) and then, before classes begin, talk with the director of undergraduate studies in the math department. He/she will want to know more about your previous studies in math and why your placement exam score was lower than the norm for a student ready to begin calculus.

Can I take summer classes near my home (at other institutions) to fulfill requirements (e.g., liberal education, chemistry, computer science, etc.)?

Yes, you may. Please consult the course equivalency sheets available online or in 105 Lind Hall before registering for courses. You might also want to talk with advisors in 128 Lind Hall so you enroll in the most appropriate courses. It's often the case that some courses are best taken here at the University.

I have had some music or language training and would like to take some additional courses. How do I get correctly placed in the right courses?

To get into music performance classes, check with the department for audition dates. Most lessons are reserved for music majors, but there are instructional opportunities for piano and guitar.

The University offers language placement testing (called the Entrance Proficiency Test or EPT) for students who have studied French, German, or Spanish and who wish to continue. Generally speaking, take the EPT if you have studied French, German, or Spanish for three or more years in high school or for one year in college. For placement into languages other than French, German, and Spanish, contact the language department directly. Check the list of most languages offered at the University.

If you wish to study a language that you've never studied before, no test is necessary.

Where can I find help with classes?

You should start by contacting your professor or teaching assistant. Tutors are also available to help you with homework (during the day in 150 Lind Hall and 128 Lind Hall, and in residence halls in the evening). Tutors also are available in 107 Lind Hall (the APEXES office, serving primarily minority students) and the multicultural center in the Science Classroom Building. You can get help from chemistry students in Smith Hall and with writing courses on the third floor of Lind Hall.

It's also extremely helpful to work with other students. They will appreciate the opportunity to explain a problem to another student, and you might surprise yourself by helping them!

If you find you have trouble with your study skills, you may wish to take LASk 1001, the learning and academic skills class. The Learning and Academic Skills Center in 109 Eddy Hall also has workshops and academic counselors available to talk about study skills, test taking, time management, etc.

Where can I find help coping with stress and anxiety?

If you think you have a problem taking exams, dealing with anxiety, or with possible learning disabilities, you may consult the Learning and Academic Skills Center in 109 Eddy Hall. This office has academic counselors and workshops to help you.

I'm having lots of trouble in a class and have decided to use my discretionary course cancellation. How do I go about doing this?

While you are in lower division, you need to see an advisor in 128 Lind Hall before you can drop the course. You must drop by the last day of the term for that course. You may never drop a course after the term has ended and final exams have begun. When you are in upper division you may go directly to 105 Lind Hall for assistance.

Each student may exercise a discretionary course cancellation once during his/her tenure at the University. If you have been ill or if there has been a traumatic event in your life, with documentation you may request to withdraw from a class. Please discuss this with your advisor.

OK, I'm on probation. Now what?

Make an appointment with an advisor in 128 Lind Hall as soon as possible. An advisor will help you construct a plan to promote success. If you are on probation and earn less than a 2.00 GPA or complete a course with less than a C-during the current term, you will be suspended and cannot take any classes at the University.

Career planning, study abroad, and scholarships

How can I tell which area of IT is for me?

IT Career Services (located in 50 Lind Hall) has a variety of resources available on majors and related career opportunities. Through this office you can make appointments with career counselors for more individual help.

The course “Exploring Careers in Science and Engineering” (IofT 1312), offered every term, contains general information about a wide variety of careers in IT.

The Career Development Center and the Career and Community Learning Center offer general information on careers, both technical and nontechnical. You are also strongly encouraged to talk with your faculty advisor and with faculty you like who have taught courses you've taken. Individual faculty Web sites offer a unique window into specific specialties in a given major.

How can I link up with a mentor?

The IT Alumni Society (administered through the IT dean's office in Walter Library) sponsors a mentor program that begins in fall semester. The mentor program caters more to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. If you are a minority student, you should contact The Office of Outreach and Diversity in 107 Lind Hall to find more mentor opportunities.

You are also encouraged to treat your faculty advisor as a mini-mentor. He/she has a wealth of knowledge regarding careers, graduate education, etc. Faculty advisors are more than willing to talk with you about these issues.

Can I get into the honors program for spring semester even if I did not make it in the fall?

Some freshmen who earn excellent grades during their first semester in IT may be admitted to the program in spring. Transfer students who enter as sophomores may also be admitted to IT lower division honors. For questions and applications, contact an advisor in 136 Lind Hall.

Upper division honors is administered by each IT department individually. Students who are not part of the lower division honors program can still participate in upper division honors if their performance merits it.

I'm interested in studying abroad. When should I start planning, and what are the steps?

To begin the process, go to the Learning Abroad Center in Heller Hall on the West Bank. The staff in this office can assist you with the details of arranging a study abroad experience as well as provide you with information about various universities.

If you are in upper division, you should work with the director of undergraduate studies in your chosen department as well as advisors in 105 Lind Hall to determine which courses to take abroad and their equivalencies at the University. Lower division students are welcome to work with advisors in 128 Lind Hall. We encourage you to start your planning early. If study abroad may be in your future, let your lower division advisor know so he/she can take this factor into account when helping you selecting your courses.

How do I find out about scholarships?

Lower division students may go directly to the Office of Student Finance in 200 Fraser Hall. IT merit scholarships are available for application by mid-February each year (they are very competitive). You may also check with the Society of Women Engineers and your future department. After you are in upper division, you should check directly with your department. Good information on scholarships can also be obtained online.