New Student Guide: First-year FAQ
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Questions
- What if I can't get some of the courses I really want?
- I have placed out of the ENWR or foreign language requirements. Do I need to take a higher-level course in these areas? What are the best English literature courses to take if I wish to continue?
- I don’t have the results of my AP scores yet. How should I select my courses?
- Can I place myself in a higher- or lower-level foreign language course than the level indicated by the achievement scores?
- Will I receive credit for a course I take at the University if I already have Advanced Placement credit for it, or if I have been exempted without credit?
- How can I apply the AP credits I earned before coming to U.Va. and how can I apply my SAT II test scores?
- My advisor is not in my field of interest so how can s/he be of help?
- I have put together a complete schedule, so why do I have so much free time?
- Will I have time for all of the extra-curricular activities that I had in high school?
- Should I worry if I miss a College enrollment deadline?
- What is the best way to communicate with professors and deans?
- What computers and related services will be available for me to use at the University?
- I am considering buying my own computer. What types of computers and compter software will be compatible with the University's?
Answers
- What if I can’t get some of the courses I really want?
You likely won’t get all of your first choice of classes; therefore, it is important to have alternate selections in mind. If you can’t get into a course during Summer Orientation because it is full, try adding the course though ISIS (Integrated Student Information System—the University’s online enrollment system) when it reopens on August 1 or when you arrive in the fall. Students change their schedules, and departments sometimes create new courses or sections near the start of the semester. Continue to check ISIS, the online Course Offering Directory (COD), and the electronic wait list system. You may add and/or drop courses at any time through the deadlines via ISIS. After your first semester, your access to course enrollment is based your academic year. Thus, every year you will be given higher priority and have a better chance to get into popular courses. You also may qualify to take a higher-level course than normally recommended for a first-year student, especially if you have an extensive background in a specific field. The First-Year COD only contains courses intended for new students. The complete COD is available online. Be aware, however, that if you enroll in a class for which you do not have the necessary prerequisites, appropriate background, or permission of the instructor, the instructor has the authority to drop you from his or her class roll. It is then your responsibility to access ISIS and drop the class. As a general rule, seek out the instructor of any 300-level course you want to take and explain your qualifications to him/her. You will have time to do this after you arrive in August, before classes begin.
- I have placed out of the ENWR or foreign language requirements. Do I need to take a higher-level course in these areas? What are the best English literature courses to take if I wish to continue?
If you have placed out of your first writing requirement or your foreign language requirement, you do not have to take higher-level courses in these areas unless you wish to do so. Don’t forget, however, that everyone except Echols Scholars must complete the Second Writing Requirement by the end of their sixth semester. The 200-level English literature (ENLT) and ENWR 220 and 380 courses fulfill this requirement, but unfortunately they tend to fill up early so be sure to have alternate courses in mind, preferably in another department. If you wish to take a literature course, we suggest Comparative Literature (CPLT 201) or a literature in English translation course taught by one of the departments of foreign languages. If you do not find the courses you are looking for in the First-Year COD, contact the individual department for a description and five-digit schedule number. In the First-Year COD, literature in translation courses are found under the corresponding foreign language (e.g., FRTR; French Literature in Translation).
- I don’t have the results of my AP scores yet. How should I select my courses?
Estimate to the best of your ability how well you did on a test. Check the Advanced Placement Test Score Policies to see what U.Va. course credit a score would give you. Then, if you think you did well and wish to continue in that department, select the next higher course level. If you don’t think you did well and you need the credit for that particular course, sign up for it. If you discover later that you estimated incorrectly, you can make changes by using ISIS (beginning August 1). You may NOT take an AP test once you matriculate into the University.
- Can I place myself in a higher- or lower-level foreign language course than the level indicated by the achievement scores?
No. When placing yourself, follow the guidelines for each course. Once you arrive, you may consult with the Foreign Language Coordinator to make sure your placement is correct. If you believe your test score inaccurately reflects your ability, contact the foreign language coordinator in the fall to adjust your enrollment. For more information, go to the Frequently Asked Questions page.
- Will I receive credit for a course I take at the University if I already have Advanced Placement credit for it, or if I have been exempted without credit?
No. If you take such a course here, you must waive your Advanced Placement credit. If you have placed out of a course (without having received credit), you may not take that course for degree credit. Consult your Association Dean during Fall Orientation about special circumstances.
- How can I apply the AP credits I earned before coming to U.Va. and how can I apply my SAT II test scores?
Based upon your standardized test scores (SAT II Tests, AP Tests, A-level, and IB exams), University of Virginia foreign language exam scores, transfer credit from other universities, and/or dual enrollment credit, you are in the position to take more advanced courses and perhaps graduate in less than 8 semesters. AP test scores and dual enrollment courses taken PRIOR to matriculation may count toward fulfilling the College’s area requirements. You must make sure that the College has your test scores and transcripts as soon as possible, although you may have them added after you arrive. If your Faculty Advisor has no record of your test scores when you meet during Fall Orientation, stop by Garrett Hall and speak with Mrs. Gates (Room 211-C) or Mrs. Updike (Room 102).
- My advisor is not in my field of interest so how can s/he be of help?
Like many universities, the College of Arts and Sciences does not assign advisors based on a student’s academic interests. First, we recognize that most first-year students change their intended major at least once in their first year. Second, all Faculty Advisors are trained to help you build a balanced course schedule according to your needs and interests, and to recognize the requirements you have to fulfill. Third, all advisors are familiar with the University’s varied resources and can refer you to the appropriate places for help and information. Your advisor is one part of a whole advising system in place here. Your Faculty Advisor is not like your high school guidance counselor. S/he will not tell you what to take and what to do but rather will advise you according to your interests.
- I have put together a complete schedule, so why do I have so much free time?
University life is very different from high school and learning at a University level is much more independent. This general rule applies: for every hour you spend in class you should spend 2-3 hours outside of class studying and preparing. One of a first-year student’s major challenges is to learn time management. It helps to create a schedule and stick to it. The Learning Needs and Evaluation Center (243-5180) offers some workshops that deal with study skills and time management.
- Will I have time for all of the extra-curricular activities that I had in high school?
Although it may seem like you have a lot of free time you actually will be spending substantially more time studying than you have before. We recommend you wait until the spring to become involved in extra-curricular activities in order to give yourself time to adjust to University life.
- Should I worry if I miss a College enrollment deadline?
Yes! The College takes its deadlines very seriously. If you miss the deadline for dropping a course for any reason, you must withdraw from that course. If you miss the deadline for withdrawing from a course you have been attending all semester, you are in that course and you will receive a grade. If you failed to verify your enrollments by the drop deadline and realize, after the deadline for withdrawing, you are still enrolled in a course you never attended, you will need to submit to the receptionists in Garrett Hall both a Late Schedule Correction Form and a withdrawal form (available from the receptionists in the lobby of Garrett Hall). If you fail to add a course to your enrollments that you have been attending all semester, you will get the course but will lose your course selection place in the subsequent semester. Grading option changes must be made by the ADD deadline. Also, please note the deadline for filing for a change in your exam schedule (allowed when you have 3 or more exams in a two-day period without an intervening day) and the deadline for filing for an extension of time (taking an incomplete in a course).
- What is the best way to communicate with professors and deans?
Face to face meetings are the best and most effective way to communicate with your professors and deans. E-mail can supplement those meetings and is useful to ask a quick question, but in general we prefer that you meet with us in person. All faculty have office hours, as do all Association Deans. Please feel free to contact or introduce yourself to any of us when you have questions. See the College’s web page for information about deadlines, departmental phone numbers, etc. To schedule a meeting with your Dean, call 924-3351.
- What computers and related services will be available for me to use at the University?
Where are computer labs located? Information Technology and Communication (ITC) supports the University’s instructional and research activities. ITC maintains systems ranging in size from a mainframe Enterprise Server to lab-based personal computers. ITC’s public computer labs are located around the Grounds in libraries, classroom buildings, and residence halls. The largest labs are located in Thornton Hall, Clemons Library and Slaughter Hall. These facilities provide you with access to a wide range of University-licensed software, from word processing to spreadsheet programs to advanced data analysis packages. You may also access electronic mail and other Internet resources like the World Wide Web from the computer labs. Machines in the labs include Macintoshes, IBM-PC compatible microcomputers running Windows 98 and NT, and various scanners and printers. (Sun workstations are also available in public Unix labs.)
To learn more about ITC’s public labs and what hardware and software visit their web page.
- I am considering buying my own computer. What types of computers and compter software will be compatible with the University's?
Consider a balance of functionality, speed, and price as you choose a computer. Assess the recommendations of the instructional program you have chosen, the type of work you will be doing, the software you will need, how portable you would like your computer to be, your budget, and how often you will use your computer. ITC works with schools and departments to prepare recommendations for computer configurations that will best meet the needs of students in their programs. ITC publishes a booklet “Computers at U.Va.: A Handbook for New Students” that you will receive this summer. The University’s Desktop Computing Initiative (DCI) has recommended some standard computer configurations and applications for students. Cavalier Computers, a division of the U.Va. Bookstore, supports the DCI program, and offers installation and on-site servicing.