Student Handbook 
Q & A: Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Advising
Q & A: Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Advising
Academic Records
Where do I get official information on the status of my academic record?
Records and Registration, 120 Administrative Services Building.
Adviser
What if I can't find my adviser?
Advising is part of a faculty member's job, but you must cooperate by making appointments, and making them early. Don't drop in the afternoon of the day before registration and then complain if you miss your adviser. Again, if you come consistently during office hours, and don't find your adviser, or if you cannot come during those posted hours, either call your adviser or check with the department chairperson.
Is it ever advisable to change advisers?
You should change advisers if you are unable to see your present adviser, or if you and your adviser agree that a person in another area will better help you.
How do I change my adviser?
If you are not admitted to a major, you may change your adviser by filling out a form at the Office of Records and Registration, 117 Administrative Services Building. A change in the major adviser must be done in the departmental office.
Credit Load
Is there a minimum load?
No. But to receive financial aid you must plan to follow the guidelines established by the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.
Can I fool the financial aid office by signing up for a minimum load and then dropping courses?
No. The record will indicate that you are not making the required progress, and you will jeopardize your financial aid.
Faculty Adviser
You will be assigned an advisor during your first semester at SCSU based on your intended major. Students who have not decided on a major will be assigned to an advisor in the advising center. You will need to see your advisor for help selecting classes for the next semester and to answer any questions you may have concerning the general education program and/or your chosen field of study. It is wise to confer with your advisor as early as possible in order to take advantage of his or her assistance. Please note that advisors and the advising center get very busy during registration, so make an appointment early.
General Education
Why do I have to take general education courses? I'm already sure of my major.
This university, as do most institutions granting four-year baccalaureate degrees, has a commitment that students who receive an undergraduate degree will have basic communication skills and broad exposure to a wide variety of academic areas.
Can I test out of general education? How?
You may “test out" of certain core classes such as English 191 and
Communication Studies. You will need to contact specific departments to
make arrangements to test out of these classes. Some departments offer
examinations which, if passed, allow you to get the credits without formally
taking the core course. You also may go to the Testing Center office which is
located in the Testing Center in Atwood Memorial Center, Room 219, to sign up
for CLEP tests which, if passed, allow credit for some courses.
Non-Traditional Students and Evening Programs
What kind of degrees can I take in the evening?
The evening program provides educational opportunities to part-time students who cannot attend during the day. Students may now complete an Associate of Arts degree, elective studies degrees, and other majors and minors.
What is elective studies?
It provides students the opportunity to develop an individualized degree program. It is, therefore, best suited to individuals who are self-directed and are comfortable in designing a program that will meet their unique needs and goals. The degree also may be helpful to many students who transfer to SCSU from other institutions with many credits that do not easily fit into traditional majors available on this campus. These students may build individualized degree programs on their prior background. The elective studies degree is available both at the associate and baccalaureate levels. To gain admission to elective studies, students must have a GPA of at least 2.0 and write a rationale for their individualized plan.
Whom do I contact for information about these programs?
The Office of Continuing Studies. Phone: 308-3081.
Registration
Must I see my adviser before registering?
Undergraduate students, not admitted to a major, must meet with their adviser prior to advance registering each quarter an adviser access code is required to use the Touchtone Registration System. Ultimately, the classes you choose and complete are of your choice and are your responsibility.
Which students get priority in registering for classes?
Priority registration is granted for the following groups of students: students with disabilities, students admitted to graduate level programs, students who have earned a baccalaureate degree from SCSU, students admitted to the North Hennepin nursing program, students admitted to the honors program with 44 SCSU credits completed who have been approved by the director of honors, and undergraduate students enrolling in only evening classes, who are degree seeking and have approval of the Office of Continuing Studies. Students in the above groups may register at the time indicated on the registration schedule or anytime after that time. If students with disabilities need assistance with registration, please contact the Office of Records and Registration, 117 Administrative Services Building.
How can I be sure to get the courses I want?
Sometimes your first choice of classes may be unavailable. Occasionally an instructor or chairperson will give you special permission if you have a particular need. It is best to have alternate choices. Call at your earliest assigned time to have the greatest choices of classes. For changes in course status, check the touchtone registration system throughout registration.
Tutoring
Where can I get tutorial help for a particular class?
If you are experiencing academic difficulty in general educational courses, you
may receive tutorial help at the Academic Learning Center. This service is
available to all SCSU students at no charge, 101 Stewart Hall. Phone: 308-4993.
Also, check with the instructor or the department chairperson. If they are unable to get help for you, the dean or associate dean of the particular college might have suggestions.
