CJS Advising Center

Criminal Justice Undergraduate Academic Advising Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction to Criminal Justice Advising
1. How do I become a Criminal Justice Major?
2. I am interested in being a Criminal Justice minor. What needs to be done?
3. I am a first-year student working toward a Criminal Justice major. Where do I start?
4. I am considering double majoring, how can the CJ Advising Center help me?
5. I transferred to SCSU or am considering transferring to SCSU, what are my first steps?
6. I have completed my AA degree and am thinking about getting my BA, where do I begin?
7. I have completed my AAS degree and I’m currently considering working toward my BA. I would like suggestions on where to begin.
8. I tried to register for my courses and it said I need an access code. What is this and where can I get it?
9. How do I register for courses?
10. How do I check my grades?
11. How do I withdraw from a course?
12. How do I know when my registration window opens?
13. What is a Degree Audit Report?
14. I am an online student, where do I take exams?
15. Where can I find the texts for my courses?
16. How do I access my tuition statement?
17. I plan to graduate in three semesters. What needs to be done in preparation for graduation?
18. I’m a new or returning student and I need help researching and writing my papers. Where can I go for help?
19. What is HuskyNet?
20. Who do I contact with problems with my HuskyNet?
21. What is D2L?
22. Who do I contact with problems with my D2L account?
23. I am interested in completing an Internship. Who should I contact?
24. I want to become a police officer in the state of Minnesota. What is the procedure I must follow to become eligible for that career?
25. I am interested in attending the Minnesota Law Enforcement Skills program. What needs to be done?
26. I am interested in becoming a Licensed Peace Officer in Minnesota. What qualifications must I have?
27. I am a student going through the Master’s program, and interested in Skills. What do I need to do to begin Skills?
28. I already have a degree and am interested in completing a Skills program. Can I attend the Skills offered at SCSU?
29. What do I do if I am unable to get my homework turned in on time?
30. How do I become more involved with the Criminal Justice Program and fellow CJ classmates at SCSU?
	Contact Criminal Justice Undergraduate Advisors
	Crimanal Justice Undergraduate Academic Advising Center Stewart Hall 222 Office Hours during Fall Semester 2009 : Monday - Thursday : 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Friday: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Phone : (320) 308-3016 E-mail : cjadvising@stcloudstate.edu
1. How do I become a Criminal Justice Major? To be accepted into the major one must have : Completed CJS 111, Have completed at least 12 credits at SCSU And have a GPA of 2.65 or above. If you have met the above requirements you may either: Download, print, and fill out the Major-Minor Application Form (see below). OR you may visit Stewart Hall 222 and ask for assistance filling out the Application. Download PDF of Major-Minor Application Form Download PDF of General Education Requirements Media Site Live Video regarding the Major-Minor Application form Top
2. I am interested in being a Criminal Justice Minor. What needs to be done? Before any student can have a minor, they must have a major. Once you have completed the requirements to be accepted into a major you may have a Major-Minor Change form (in PDF below) filled out. We suggest looking over all of our minors within the department to determine which seems the most interesting and which would assist you best with the career goals that you have in mind. All of our minors are listed in the Undergraduate Bulletin. Once you have selected a minor, contact our office to have the Major-Minor Change form filled out for you. Download Major-Minor Change form Top
3. I am a first-year student working toward a Criminal Justice major. Where do I start? Complete General Education Requirements prior to focusing on Criminal Justice courses. Begin your first 2-3 semesters with General Education courses as well as CJS 111. The math requirement is a particular priority. Depending on math placement, students may be required to take a course as a pre-requisite to their core math class, MATH/STAT 193. The core math class, MATH or STAT 193, is also a pre-requisite for a required course, STAT 219, in the Criminal Justice major. STAT 219 is a prerequisite for CJS 487, which is a prerequisite for CJS 488, which is the thesis requirement for a BA in CJS from SCSU. In other words, progression through the degree path includes taking the following courses in this order and only in this order: Math Prerequisite, ie: MATH 070 (If needed) MATH/STAT 193 (STAT recommended) STAT219 CJS 487 CJS 488 Each of the above courses must be taken before the student is eligible to take the next. Failure to follow this plan may result in a delay of graduation. The General Advising Office is best suited to advise on general education courses and requirements but the Criminal Justice Advising Center is also available to help with these questions. Be familiar with these resources before contacting the Criminal Justice Advising Center. Many common questions and concerns can be resolved with a degree of familiarity with the program. Undergraduate Bulletin, Department of Criminal Justice Studies degree requirements Department of CJS Course Descriptions CJS Recommended Program Guide, in PDF form below. Listed on the Program guide is a suggested outline for all the courses that are required for the CJ Bachelors degree. This conceptual aid is not meant to be a strict plan for your academic career in criminal justice. Download PDF of CJS Recommended Program Guide Download PDF of General Education Requirements Top
4. I am considering double majoring, how can the CJ Advising Center help me? In the CJ advising center our area of knowledge is mainly Criminal Justice, and basic information regarding general education requirements. We can certainly try to help out in a double major instance, or try to help find which staff or faculty members would be able to best assist you. Top
5. I transferred to SCSU or am considering transferring to SCSU, what are my first steps? Students considering attending classes through SCSU must first apply and be accepted with the Admissions Office Contact any previous academic institutions and ask them to forward your official academic record to the SCSU Records and Registration Office Contact Records and Registration and ask them to send your Transfer Evaluation Worksheet (example in PDF below) to the CJS Undergraduate Academic Advising Center This is very important. We cannot advise you completely or accurately without this form. Download an example of a Transfer Evaluation Worksheet in PDF file Download PDF of General Education Requirements Media Site Live Video on Transfer Evaluation Worksheets Top
6. I have completed my AA degree and am thinking about achieving my BA, where do I begin? SCSU determines all General Education requirements complete with an Associate in Arts degree, or an AA degree from a MNSCU accredited institution except PESS 122. A student’s undergraduate core course work can be considered complete with an AA and SCSU’s PESS 122, which is a 1 credit physical education university requirement. The transfer evaluation should still be examined to see if any courses transferred in as CJ courses, or could be transferred in if the two courses are similar. Once the transfer evaluation has been examined then the student will be able to focus on CJ courses in progress toward the Bachelors degree. A helpful resource for transfer students is the Minnesota Course Applicability System (MNCAS) website. CAS is an online tool that will help you view course equivalencies and see how courses you have taken or plan to take transfer to another college or university. Top
7. I have completed my AAS degree and I’m currently considering working toward my BA. I would like suggestions on where to begin. An Associate’s Degree in Applied Science, or an AAS degree is meant to be a terminal degree. The AAS is intended for students wishing to enter the work force as soon as is practical. The AAS is not generally intended for students planning on further education in a liberal arts paradigm; often courses do not transfer as what a student might expect would be their equivalents from one institution to another. Course subjects may not be covered in the same breadth or depth. Students with AAS degrees are encouraged to refer to MNCAS to get an idea of what courses have been transferred between schools thus far. Contact any previous academic institutions and ask them to forward your official academic record to the SCSU Records and Registration Office. Contact Records and Registration and ask them to send your Transfer Evaluation Worksheet (example in PDF below) to the CJS Undergraduate Academic Advising Center This is very important. We cannot advise you completely or accurately without this form. Download an example of a Transfer Evaluation Worksheet in PDF file Download PDF of General Education Requirements Top
8. I tried to register for my courses and it said I need an access code. What is this and where can I get it? Access codes are one way that the university aids students in maintaining appropriate academic progress. Access codes are generated for students who are not yet enrolled as a major. The codes are generally issued to the student’s intended major department. Students may receive their access codes from their academic advisor, a graduate assistant in the Department of Criminal Justice Studies, after they either receive or waive academic advising. Top
9. How do I register for courses? Once on the e-Services page click on the heading titled Courses and Registration. Under the listed Available Options you will find “Find a Course” as well as “View/Modify Class Schedule” which will help you to register for courses. If you are not yet admitted into the Criminal Justice Major (See How Do I Become a Criminal Justice Major) you are required to have an access code to register. If you have questions regarding the access code please see “I tried to register for my courses and it said I need an access code. What is this and where can I get it?” Question above. Top
10. How do I check my grades? Once on the e-Services web page click on Grades and Transcripts. Under that heading Check Grades will be listed. Click on the semester that you would like to check grades for and click continue. Top
11. How do I withdraw from a course? Once on the e-Services web page click on Courses and Registration. On the right hand of the page it displays a column that is headed as “Need Help”? Here you can find a video that explains several common situations students encounter, including withdrawing from a course. SCSU e-Services webpage Top
12. How do I know when my registration window opens? Once on the e-Services web page click on Courses and Registration. There it will list the Available Options, under which is Registration Window. If the semester listed at the top is not correct change it to the correct semester. SCSU e-Services webpage Top
13. What is a Degree Audit Report? A Degree Audit Report can be accessed through e-Services. This report keeps current track of each student’s academic position. The report will list out which General Education Requirements have been satisfied and which have not. The Degree Audit Report is found under Grades and Transcripts on the e-Services page. SCSU e-Services webpage Top
14. I am an online student, where do I take exams? As found on the Center for Continuing Studies Web Site, Q10 “If you live near the SCSU campus you should come to our office to take your exams. Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p. m. Your exam must be scheduled by 11:59 pm the previous day. If you do not schedule your exam in advance you will be turned away and will have to schedule to the take the exam another day. The Testing Center opens at 8:00 a.m. and all exams must be completed by 4:30 p.m. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS. The Testing Center is located in Shoemaker Hall, G112. When you come to take the exams you will be required to show a picture ID, either your driver’s license or your student ID. You will not be allowed to take anything with you when you take the exams. All coats, purses, backpacks, and cell phones must be placed in a locker.” “*If you are unable to come to the SCSU campus during testing hours you need to complete and submit the* *Monitor Request Form. To fill out Monitor Request Form: Download the Monitor Request Form (PDF) . The form must be filled out completely. Use one form to list all courses and exams. Your Monitor must sign the form or it will not be accepted.* You request may be delayed if any of the information requested on the form is missing or you do not follow the guidelines in selecting a monitor. Within one week after we have approved your monitor request, your test materials will be mailed. If your monitor request is not approved, or if we have any questions about your monitor, we will email you at your HuskyNet account. All testing must be completed at a testing facility (University, Community or Technical College). If you live in Minnesota click here to locate a campus near your home: http://www.minnesotaonline.org/student/proctoring2.html If you live outside the state of Minnesota or you do not live near a MnSCU testing facility, you must find a University, Community or Technical College near you. The monitor you choose must have a four-year Bachelor's Degree, and cannot be a close friend, relative or direct supervisor. Click here to find a Testing Center near you: www.ncta-testing.org/cctc Students are responsible for paying any proctor fees incurred, which includes providing the proctor with a postage-paid envelope for mailing the exams back to our office. Exams must be mailed back to our office as soon as the student is done taking them. The proctor is not to hold on to the exams. The exams must be mailed from the proctor’s office.” Top
15. Where can I find the texts for my courses? As found on the Center for Continuing Studies Web Site, Q13 “Once you are officially registered for the course you may purchase your book(s). You do not have to wait until you receive your course syllabus. You can contact any of the three bookstores listed below. When purchasing books for your online course, please specify the Professor’s name, the course name, number, and indicate that it is an online course. Most of the online courses are section 54. If you would like to know what section you are enrolled, it is noted on your course schedule online. Some professors use different textbooks for their online and on-campus courses. Books may be purchased in person, by telephone or via the Internet from the three campus bookstores: Husky Bookstore (on campus): 320-308-1489 or www.husky.bkstr.com University Bookstore (1100 4th Ave S): 320-308-0061 or www.scsubookstore.com Campus Book and Supply (211 5th Ave S): 320-308-0851 or www.stcloudbooks.com “ A student may also obtain text books from any online resource, such as Amazon or eBay. Top
16. How do I access my tuition statement? As found on the Center for Continuing Studies Web Site, Q17 “Effective Spring Semester 2003 you must monitor your account online. Starting Spring Semester 2003, SCSU will no longer be mailing out tuition statements. To access your account: Log on to the St. Cloud State University Registration website. Click on: Registration Go to: Login to Online Registration Enter Your: Student ID and Pin Number Click on: Student Tab Click on: My Account To View Your Account, Click on: Full Account Detail To Pay On-Line, Click on: Pay Online and institution name: St. Cloud State University You can either pay your bill online, by phoning the Cashiers Office, 320-308-6462, or by mailing your payment to: SCSU, Cashiers Office-AS 122, 720 Fourth Ave S, St. Cloud, MN 56301.” Top
17. I plan to graduate in three semesters. What needs to be done in preparation for graduation? It is the students’ responsibility to verify their degree progress. One handy resource is the SCSU Graduation Checklist, which is in PDF below This sheet is a brief overview of university degree requirements. The office of Records and Registration recommends that students Apply for Graduation approximately three semesters prior to their expected graduation date. Records and Registration will perform a Preliminary Graduation Evaluation on the student’s academic progress, noting any deficiencies and recommending remedies. Download the SCSU Graduation Checklist Media Site Live Video regarding graduation View text outline for this video Top
18. I’m a new or returning student and I need help researching and writing my papers. Where can I go for help? The Write Place is a good resource for on campus to work with tutors to create better work. Ask A Librarian is a 24 hr / 7 day per week resource for students to contact a librarian. Here you can email, call, chat, or set up an appointment with a librarian. This resource is good for help regarding research questions and suggestions. Top
19. What is HuskyNet? As found on the Center for Continuing Studies Web Site, Q20 “HuskyNet, short for Husky Network, is your access to technology resources at St. Cloud State University. Through use of the HuskyNet site and your HuskyNetID (username), you can e-mail, maintain a personal file or web space, perform coursework activities, and locate resources. When locating, using, or seeking assistance with technology resources at SCSU, make HuskyNet your starting point.” Top
20. Who do I contact with problems with my HuskyNet? As found on the Center for Continuing Studies Web Site, Q23 “The campus HelpDesk is available to assist students and faculty seeking general assistance with technology related issues. They are also the support center for HuskyNet. The Help Desk is located in Miller Center (library) room 43 in the basement. They may also be reached by e-mail to helpdesk@stcloudstate.edu or by phone at (320) 308-2077.” Top
21. What is D2L? As found on the Center for Continuing Studies Web Site, Q25 “Your online course can be accessed through a program called Desire2Learn (D2L). You do not need any special software for this, only a computer and Internet browser. The majority of your course materials, syllabi, and online discussions or testing (required by some classes) will be housed inside D2L. Once you have officially registered for the course and have activated your HuskyNet account, you will be able to enter D2L and access your syllabi.” Top
22. Who do I contact with problems with my D2L account? As found on the Center for Continuing Studies Web Site, Q25 “For assistance in accessing D2L, contact the Technology Helpdesk at 320-308-2077 or the Helpdesk web page at: http://www.stcloudstate.edu/help. Only contact the Help Desk if you are experiencing problems accessing or logging into your D2L. If you have questions on the materials for your course, please contact the Continuing Studies Office, 320-308-3081 or scsu_online@stcloudstate.edu. For more information on D2L, log on to the website and look under Student Resources: http://d2l.custhelp.com.” Top
23. I am interested in completing an Internship. Who should I contact? Internships may be taken with agencies or businesses that are related to the field of Criminal Justice. There is a list of Criminal Justice Internship Sites, in PDF form above, which provides locations that previous students have interned at, or sites that are acceptable for the guidelines. Any internship locations that a student may be interested in that is not listed may be accepted upon review by an advisor. There is a packet of Criminal Justice Department Internship Guidelines provided below in PDF format. This packet includes: An Internship Policy, Internship Procedure, Prospective Intern Questionnaire, as well as other helpful information when considering an internship. Once you have decided on a location you may apply and secure the internship, but wait to discuss hours and credits allotted until you meet with your internship advisor. View the list of Criminal Justice Internship Sites View the Criminal Justice Department Internship Guidelines packet Media Site Live Video regarding Internships View text outline for this video Top
24. I want to become a police officer in the state of Minnesota. What is the procedure I must follow to become eligible for that career? To become a police officer in the state of Minnesota, one must be “eligible to be Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) licensed.” According to the Minnesota POST board website: “Eligible to be licensed means that you have completed all of the educational or Reciprocity requirements and passed the Minnesota Peace Officer Licensing Exam. Once you have passed the exam, you can be hired anytime within the following three years. After being hired by a law enforcement agency, you can work as a peace officer.” To take the POST test, one follows a Professional Peace Officer Education program, such as the one offered at Saint Cloud State University. This includes academic courses, such as SCSU’s CJS 421, CJS 422, and CJS 431, as well as a clinical skills component. Familiarize yourself with the Minnesota POST Board website. You are responsible for all information pertaining to licensure and education requirements. Media Site Live Video on Becoming a Police Officer in MN Media Site Live Video on Beginning your PPOE Program Media Site Live Video on Completing your PPOE-POST Top
25. I am interested in attending the Minnesota Law Enforcement Skills program. What needs to be done? Have an AA degree diploma and/or graduation transcript in hand before you plan to attend skills. Follow the skills checklist provided in PDF form below Familiarize yourself with the Minnesota POST Board website. You are responsible for all information pertaining to licensure and education requirements. Watch for an announcement of a “Skills Meeting” early in the fall semester. Skills meetings will be announced on the Department of Criminal Justice Studies website, notices will be posted in the halls around our class rooms, as well as distributed via email. You may also contact the Criminal Justice Undergraduate Academic Advising Center to inquire about being included in a new cohort. Fill out personal information on a roster sheet your academic advisor or coordinator will provide. Download the Skills Checklist Media Site Live Video on Becoming a Police Officer in MN Media Site Live Video on Beginning your PPOE Program Media Site Live Video on Completing your PPOE-POST Top
26. I am interested in becoming a Licensed Peace Officer in Minnesota. What qualifications must I have? Please see the Peace Office Licensure Advisory: Minimum Selection Standards sheet for the minimum qualifications required to be a Peace Officer in Minnesota provided below. Download the Peace Office Licensure Advisory: Minimum Selection Standards Sheet Media Site Live on Becoming a Police Office in MN Media Site Live Video on Beginning your PPOE Program Media Site Live Video on Completing your PPOE-POST Top
27. I am a student going through the Master’s program, and interested in Skills. What do I need to do to begin Skills? The prerequisites for Skills include CJS 431, 421, 422 as well as a recommended First Responder certificate. However, all of these criminal justice courses are also offered at the Master’s level as CJS 531, 521, and 522. Therefore a graduate student needs to meet the same requirement as the undergraduate student, except that they are 500 level courses rather than 400 level courses. Top
28. I already have a degree and am interested in completing a Skills program. Can I attend the Skills offered at SCSU? To attend the Skills program offered at SCSU you must be an SCSU student. However, completing the prerequisite courses for Skills through SCSU qualifies an individual as an SCSU student. The prerequisite courses for Skills are CJS 111, 431, 421, 422 as well as a recommended First Responder certification. For those with a degree in a criminal justice field: You will only be required to complete 431, 421, and 422, as you should already have an Intro to Criminal Justice course. If you have a four year degree it is suggested that you take these courses at the 500 level (531, 521, and 522) so that it may be applied to a master’s degree if you decide to seek one in the future. For those with a two year degree the regular undergraduate requirements apply. For those with a degree NOT in a criminal justice field: You will be required to complete all four Criminal Justice courses. CJS 111 is only offered at the undergraduate level however it is suggested that student’s with four year degrees take the remaining courses at the 500 level (531, 521, and 522) so that it may be applied to a master’s degree if you decide to seek one in the future. For those with a two year degree the regular undergraduate requirements apply. Top
29. What do I do if I am unable to get my homework turned in on time? Be sure you have a good excuse, and adequate photographic documentation as you see here... (Photo courtesy of Margrit, whose dog did eat the textbook!) Top
30. How do I become more involved with the Criminal Justice Program and fellow CJ classmates at SCSU? Try becoming involved in the student based organization, Criminal Justice Association (CJA). The CJA meets once a month and often has guest speakers and other community activities. Check them out at the Criminal Justice Association Webpage. Top

	Contact Criminal Justice Undergraduate Advisors
	Criminal Justice Undergraduate Academic Advising Center Stewart Hall 222 Office Hours during Fall Semester 2009 : Monday - Thursday: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Friday: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Phone : (320) 308-3016 E-mail : cjadvising@stcloudstate.edu


	Corinn Huttes Academic Advisor E-mail: huco0402@stcloudstate.edu Office: SH-222 Phone: (320) 308 3016 Office Hours: Monday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Thursday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Friday: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

	Crystal Kass Academic Advisor E-mail : pacr0601@stcloudstate.edu Office : SH-222 Phone : (320) 308-3016 Office Hours: Tuesday: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm Wednesday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Thursday: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

	Jake Lewey Academic Advisor E-mail : leja0604@stcloudstate.edu Office : SH-222 Phone : (320) 308-3016 Office Hours: Monday: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Tuesday: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Wednesday: 8:00 am to noon

	Moussa Nombre Academic Advisor E-mail : nomo0701@stcludstate.edu Office : SH-222 Phone : (320) 308-3016 Office Hours: Tuesday: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Wednesday: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Thurday: 8:00 am to noon

	Sheila LaPlant Academic Advisor E-mail : lash0801@stcludstate.edu Office : SH-222 Phone : (320) 308-3016 Office Hours: Wednesday: noon to 6:00 pm Thurday: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm ; 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm Friday: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

	Ziwei Qi Academic Advisor E-mail : qizi0901@stcludstate.edu Office : SH-222 Phone : (320) 308-3016 Office Hours: Monday: 8:00 am to noon Thursday: 8:00 am to 11:00 am ; 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Friday: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
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St. Cloud State University

CJS Advising Center

Corinn Huttes

Crystal Kass

Jake Lewey

Moussa Nombre

Sheila LaPlant

Ziwei Qi

Criminal Justice Studies (contact information)