New student guide 2015

An Introduction to the Academic Program Requirements Using Academic Resources to be Successful at Morris

Part One Before registering for your classes, it’s important that you understand the academic requirements at UMM. You should consider…

– Which courses you should take – Why you are taking them

The following presentation will help you understand the curriculum and academic expectations at UMM.

The Big Picture • 120 credits are required for a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree – 60 of those credits must be general education/liberal arts (GER) courses outside of your major

• Students complete 30 credits per year • Take an average of 4-four credit courses per term to graduate in four years Example: 15 credits x 2 semesters/year= 30 credits x 4 years=120 credits

Understanding Credit • Each credit requires 3 hours of effort each week: One hour in class and two hours outside of class time (either studying, reading, writing, or attending labs or study sessions).

• Most Morris courses are worth four credits.

3 hours of work x 4 credits = 12 hours of effort per class each week

• Most students take 14 – 16 credits per semester.

• Do not take too many credits in your first semester.

The University of Minnesota Degree Your UMM degree has 2 parts: - The Major - The General Education Requirements (GER) Remember: All UMM courses count toward your degree; some can even count for both the GERs and the major!

What is a Liberal Arts Education?

• A liberal arts education is a broad-based education with you studying many subjects, not just a particular major.

• General Education Requirements (GERs) of a liberal arts education focus on writing well, thinking about things in different ways, as well as, developing analytical and problem solving skills.

• You will gain valued skills and knowledge to prepare you for a life of learning and professional work.

More on Liberal Arts General Education Requirements • GERs ensure that students receive a complete education.

• GERs are the core of a liberal arts education!

It gives you the opportunity to study many things and explore future career possibilities.

• You can complete your GERs any time before you graduate so enjoy them!

• Lastly, GERs help you to want to learn for your whole life and be curious citizens!

General Education Requirements Part I: IC: Intellectual Community (IC) 2-4 credits

(required in the FIRST semester for all first year. Students: do NOT drop this class!)

Skills for the Liberal Arts: (some may be satisfied by exemption)

WLA: FL:

Writing for the Liberal Arts, 1 course Foreign Language (exempt if English is your

second language)

M/SR: Math/Symbolic Reasoning, 1 course ArtP: Artistic Performance, 1 course

General Education Requirements Part II: Expanding Perspectives (Complete 8 courses of at least 2 credits from list below) Hist: SS: Hum: FA: Sci: SciL:

History Human Behavior/Social Processes Communication, Literature, Language, Philosophy Fine Arts Science course with or without a lab Science course with a lab

The Global Village (choose 2 from this area) HDiv: Human Diversity Envt: People and the Environment IP: International Perspective E/CR: Ethical and Civic Responsibility

A Sample: First Year Student Class Schedule Fall semester • LANG 1061, 1062 + 1063 • One course in the major* • One major or elective course • One IC course

7 credits 4 credits 2-4 credits 2 credits 14-16 credits

*Always consult your faculty adviser about your course plan!

Do not change your course registration without talking to your adviser.

What is an Academic Adviser? • Advisers are professors or faculty members of the college that will help you create an academic plan that includes general education and major(s) requirements. • You will be assigned a faculty adviser based on your major and/or interests during the summer before your freshmen year.

Your Adviser • You will meet your adviser for the first time during New Student Orientation in August.

• You must make an appointment to meet with your adviser during the first week of class.

• You are required to meet with your adviser before registering each semester.

• You may change your major and/or your adviser any time by contacting the Academic Advising Office ummadvis@morris.umn.edu

Planning Materials • To make the most of your semester, we recommend that you preview the requirements for your academic program and review them often.

• For an outline of UMM majors, academic programs, and suggested timelines for completing these programs see: www.morris.umn.edu/academic/advising/yourmajor.htm • Use the MyU portal (idp2.shib.umn.edu/idp/umn/login) and Student One Stop (onestop.morris.umn.edu/) to access all of your academic and personal information!

Part Two Learn how to use the University of Minnesota on-line registration system. You will use this system each semester.

•The new registration system is easy, secure, and convenient.

•Always consult your academic adviser before registering.

•Note that it is your responsibility as a student to have an accurate class schedule.

•Remember to follow all course add/drop deadlines For more information see: www.morris.umn.edu/registrar/

Internet ID and Password • To log in to your account you must know your internet ID and password; please memorize it!

• Your Internet ID is also known as your Username • Do not write down your password; keep your records safe!

• Create a hint for your password • Set up security questions and answers

Health Care Coverage •All students must have health plan coverage per University of Minnesota policy. For more information: ( www.bhs.umn.edu/insurance/morris/) •You will receive a notification about this requirement via the MyU portal.

Ready to Register?

• Sign in to the MyU portal (idp2.shib.umn.edu/ idp/umn/login) with your Internet ID and Password.

• Click on the “Academics” tab, then the “Registration” sub-tab.

• Click on the “Register (Shopping Cart)” link.

• The next series of screens will show you how to search for courses and add them to your class schedule.

FALL 2015

How to Search for Classes

How to Swap and Drop Classes

Finishing Your Swap

Drop a Class

Resources and Tools • •

• • •

Use the MyU portal (idp2.shib.umn.edu/idp/umn/login).

Pay attention to registration deadlines! The essential deadline for fall semester: before the 10th day of the semester. For more information: www.morris.umn.edu/registrar/.

Print a copy of your class schedule for your records.

Check your UMM email account and the notifications tab in MyU regularly for information updates.

After you attend a registration session and set your class schedule, we strongly recommend that changes are not made to the schedule. During Orientation you will meet with your academic adviser and you may discuss scheduling options at that time.

Graduate in Four Years!

• Do you understand what you need to complete the General Education Requirements & your major requirements at UMM? • Plan ahead! Not all courses are offered each semester.

• Get familiar with the registration system in MyU and APAS (degree audit system; www.morris.umn.edu/registrar/apas/). Use these tools for planning and registering for the correct courses for your degree.

• Discuss your course choices with an adviser.

Understand How Your Courses Meet Morris Degree Requirements Use your APAS for degree planning!

(APAS stands for Academic Progress Audit System www.morris.umn.edu/registrar/apas/)

•One of the most important tools we offer to stay on track for graduation is this degree audit. Students should note that you cannot graduate until your APAS indicates that you have met all requirements! (Your APAS will have green check marks instead of red x’s)

•Look at your APAS online: www.morris.umn.edu/services/registrar/apas.php –Before registering for classes to see what requirements need to be completed –After registration to see how the new classes actually do meet requirements –Once grades are in to see if there are any courses that no longer count toward graduation –Check it regularly all the way through your senior year prior to graduation •Your transfer credit (if any) will be recorded on your APAS: if your APAS does not show your transfer credit, it means that we have not received your transcript. Please double check that your transcript has been sent to Morris.

Tips for Success •

Go to class every day! day It sounds simple, but the #1 reason for poor class performance is skipping class. DO NOT MISS CLASS! It is your job to be there!

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Develop good study habits!

The quality of your study time is important, not just the quantity of it.

Read and understand how concepts are applied to life situations. Avoid cramming. Get help if you don’t understand; talk to professors, Tas, or visit the Office for Academic Success for free tutoring.

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Get involved and have fun!

You learn a lot and can develop skills by getting involved in student organizations. Everyone needs a break from studying; go have some fun, then hit the books again.

More Tips…

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Get to know your professors. Communicate!

Take advantage of the opportunity to talk to and learn from your professors and adviser. Do not be shy or intimidated. Ask questions.

Know how to contact them.

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Balance school with the rest of your life.

Know how much time it will take to do well in your classes. If you work, try not to over-extend yourself so that you lose excessive study time.

Remember to get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well.

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Pay attention to academic warnings.

The faculty and staff are concerned about your well-being. If you get a message regarding poor academic performance, take it seriously. Check in with your adviser and professors to see what you can do to improve your class standing.

Things to Remember • Use the MyU portal (idp2.shib.umn.edu/idp/umn/login) to stay informed and organized at UMM!

• See your adviser for academic planning help.

• Use your APAS report (www.morris.umn.edu/registrar/apas/) to stay on track to graduate in four years!

Do not hesitate to ask if you have questions! We are happy that you will be with us at Morris!