• Who is my Advisor?
  You are assigned an advisor during your first advising session in Arts and Sciences. Once you have declared a major, you will be assigned to the departmental advisor in your major area. You can find your advisor's name through IDS, the computerized student information system, or contact Student Academic Services for assistance. 
• When do I need to see my advisor?
  Your advisor is a good person to turn to whenever you have a question about academics or campus resources and services. In Arts and Sciences, you must see your advisor before enrollment, but you are encouraged to get to know your advisor and visit often, whether it is for OSU information or just to talk.
• What is the procedure for enrollment?
  New freshmen meet their advisors and enroll for fall during summer enrollment programs. Current students follow this basic procedure:
  • Schedule an appointment with your assigned advisor prior to your enrollment date.
  • Before your appointment, determine what classes you need to fulfill your basic degree requirements and study the class schedule book to determine which classes are being offered to meet your educational and scheduling needs.
  • Begin filling out a trial study form and take it to your advising appointment.
  • Be on time for your advising appointment.
  • During your appointment, you will be able to discuss choices and get advice regarding which courses will best meet your academic and personal needs.
  • Following the advising meeting, the student has three options:
    1. Take signed trial study to 440 Student Union for computer entry.
    2. Ask your advisor for computer enrollment clearance and enroll yourself.
    3. Enroll by phone after obtaining advisor clearance.
• When can I begin enrolling for classes?
  Current students are scheduled to enroll according to number of credit hours completed (a table is given in the class schedule book, which can be picked up at the student services office). Some groups of students who have unique needs or obligations to the university that affect class scheduling are allowed to enroll the day before regular enrollment begins. This priority enrollment is available to the following groups: Students registered with Student Disability Services, honors program participants, students involved in University band or athletics, and PLC, Wentz, President's Distinguished, and OSRHE scholarship recipients.
• I've seen my advisor and have a signed trial study form. Am I enrolled?
  No! This information must now be entered into the University computer in one of the following ways: 1. Through Sectioning in 440 Student Union, 2. Self-enrollment through IDS Computer display system, or 3. Self-enrollment by phone. (Self-enrollment options require advisor clearance)
• How do I enroll by computer or telephone?
  Detailed directions for computer or phone enrollment are listed in the class schedule book. It is very simple and requires only advisor clearance and an active IDS account through the OSU mainframe. If you have never been in your IDS account before, your beginning Personal Identification Number (PIN) is the month and year of your birth (4 digits).
• How many hours do I need to take?
  Full time students enroll in 12-19 hours each semester.  The number of hours you take will depend on: how quickly you want to finish your degree, the types of classes you are planning to take, if you are working or have additional responsibilities beyond course work, if you need to be enrolled full-time to meet financial aid, and scholarship or insurance requirements. Your advisor can help you determine how many hours are appropriate for your situation.
  

• How can I tell if a course is upper division? How do you know how many credit hours each course is worth?
  The first number of a course tells you the course level. 1000 and 2000 level courses are lower division.  3000 and 4000 levels are considered upper division.  The last number represents the number of credit hours. Hours for courses ending in 0 can vary each semester and are determined by the department or the student:

  Freshman =1000 (History 1103, 3 hrs)	Sophomore=2000 (Music 2610, 1or2 hrs)
  Junior =3000 (Chem 3015, 5 hrs)	Senior =4000 (JB 4553, 3 hrs)

• I cannot relate to my English teacher. Can I switch sections?
  You may change sections provided there is another section open and the deadline for dropping and adding has not passed. If serious problems arise after the deadline, discuss the situation with your advisor.
• If I stop attending class, will I be dropped from the class roll?
  No. You will need to formally drop the course through drop procedures.
• What is the deadline for drop and add?  
  You have until the first day of the second week of the semester to add a class and until the end of the second week to drop with no record of the course on your transcript. After that, you will have until the end of the sixth week to drop a course with a "W" on your transcript, or until the end of the eleventh week to drop with instructor signature and assignment of a "W" or "F." Following the eleventh week, the only way to drop is to withdrawal from the University (all classes) with assignment of "W" or "F" or petition based on special circumstances -- see your advisor for assistance.
• How do I drop (or add) a class?
  You have two choices. If you know what you need to add based on previous conversations with your advisor and have been cleared for computer enrollment, you may drop and add classes through the IDS system or by phone. If you aren't sure what to do regarding the situation or have not been cleared, go see your advisor.  
• Once my advisor has signed my drop card, am I dropped from the course?
  NO!  You need to take the card to 440 Student Union (Sectioning) for processing, and, if it is after the sixth week of class, you will also need your instructor's signature.
• Does Math 0123 count toward full time (12 hours) status?
  Yes.  Even though courses beginning with zero do not count toward degree credit, they are considered part of your course load for full-time enrollment status and appear on your transcript.
• What happens if I drop below full time?
  Dropping below 12 hours can affect financial aid, scholarships, some University Housing contracts, family insurance, and any other areas where you might need to be a full time student. International students should pay close attention to status as related to their VISAs. If you have financial aid, it is a good idea to discuss your status with a financial aid counselor.
• Can I add correspondence courses to make up the hours to be full time?
  For most situations, adding a correspondence course does not count toward full time status because these courses do not have to be completed within the semester. You will need to check with your advisor, financial aid, or the scholarships office to determine whether correspondence study meets your situation.
• Can I still live in University Housing if I drop below full time?
  The residence halls will not kick you out for dropping below full time. However, some housing (ie. University Apartments) may require full time enrollment. Check your contract to be sure.
• Why can't I drop all of my classes? I'm moving to another school.
  If you are leaving the University, you may not drop all of your classes through regular drop and add procedures. You will need to begin with the Student Academic Services Office to complete an official Withdrawal, which must be signed in the Dean's, Registrar's, and Bursar's offices.
  

• I'm getting an A, 2 Bs, 1 C, and a D this semester. What will my gpa be?
  That depends on how many hours each class is worth:

  Sample Schedule #1			Sample Schedule #2
  A&S 1111 - A Engl 1113 - B Psych 1113 - B Hist 1103 - C Chem 1314 - D	1 hr x A(4) = 4 3 hr x B(3) = 9 3 hr x B(3) = 9 3 hr x C(2) = 6 4 hr x D(1) = 4		Engl 1213 - A Math 1513 - B Geog 1114 - B Art 1803 - C Polsc 1113 - D	3 hr x A(4) = 12 3 hr x B(3) =   9 4 hr x B(3) = 12 3 hr x C(2) =   6 3 hr x D(1) =   3
  14 total hours for 32 quality points			16 total hours for 42 quality points
  32 divided by 14 = 2.29 gpa			42 divided by 16 = 2.63 gpa

• I thought I had an A in Biology, but I got a B. What can I do?
  Talk to your teacher!!!!  A mathematical error can be fixed easily.  If it turns out there is a discrepancy in how you and the teacher have calculated grades, discuss it. If you cannot work it out with the instructor, make an appointment to see the class supervisor or department head.  If neither of these options work to your satisfaction, your final option is a grade appeal through the Office of the Executive Vice President in 101 Whitehurst.
• I got an "I" (incomplete) grade on my report. What does it mean? What do I need to do?
  An "I" means that you completed over half of the course requirements, but were not able to complete the entire course (usually due to an unexpected illness or accident).  In order to receive an "I," you should discuss and agree on a plan for completing the missed work during the next semester or year, whichever you and the professor decide.  If you do not complete the missed work within the alloted time period, the instructor can change the "I" to an "F" at his or her discretion.  
• I got an "F" grade on my report.  Do I need to take the class again?  What happens if I repeat the course?
  If it is a requirement for your degree, YES. Otherwise, it is up to you. Retaking the course for a better grade will improve your Graduation/Retention gpa as long as you have not repeated four courses or 18 hours already. 
• I got a D in Political Science and repeated it. Why is the D still on my transcript?
  Every class you take will be included on your transcript.  Retaking a class for a better grade does not "replace" the original course on your transcript.  It does, however, create another gpa category called "Graduation/Retention," which replaces original grades of D or F (for the first four classes up to 18 hours, you repeat) with those you received from repeating the course (even if the second grade was lower!).  
• My grade report shows three grade point averages. How are the OSU gpa, Grad/Ret. gpa, and Cumulative gpa different?
  The OSU gpa is calculated using grades from only those courses taken at OSU.
  The Grad/Ret. gpa is calculated using grades from all college level work, excluding any courses repeated (with an original grade of D or F) and excluding remedial and physical education courses.
  The Cumulative gpa averages every single grade you ever receive at the college level.
• What grades do I need to make the honor roll?
  Full-time students need a semester gpa of 4.00 for the President's List of Distinguished Students and a 3.50 for the Dean's List of Distinguished Students. A Grade of "I" in any course that semester disqualifies a student for these distinctions.
• My grade report says "Academic Probation." What does that mean?
  Academic Probation refers to students whose Grad/Ret gpa is less than 2.00 for 31 or more credit hours or 1.70 for 30 or fewer credit hours. To remain eligible to enroll, full-time students on academic probation must receive a 2.00 in a minimum of 12 hours each semester until the Grad/Ret gpa reaches the levels indicated above.
• What is "Academic Notice"?
  Academic Notice is given to freshmen with fewer than 30 credit hours who have a retention GPA of 1.70 to 2.00. Students on academic notice are encouraged to keep in close contact with their student academic services office.
• How did I get suspended?
  Academic Suspension occurs when a student on probation does not earn a 2.0 in a minimum of 12 hours in their following semester.
• Can I appeal my suspension?
  Yes.  If you can document extenuating circumstances, which directly affected your suspension, you may appeal the suspension with the Executive Vice President's Office.
• I've been suspended from school and I want to come back. What are my options?
  Suspended students may apply for readmission after one regular semester (fall or spring) has elapsed. A committee will review your application to determine if the cause of your suspension has been remedied to the point that you can likely succeed the second time. Start by getting an application for readmission in the Office of Admissions.
    

• How many hours do I need to be a Sophomore? Junior? Senior?
  Sophomore: 28-59 hours, Junior: 60-93 hours, Senior: 94 or more hours passed. Please note that since your degree requires a minimum of 127 hours, being classified a sophomore with 28 hours does not necessarily mean you are a quarter of the way to graduation.
• I took 12 hours in the fall and 14 hours in the spring. Shouldn't I be a sophomore if it is my second year?
  Not unless you have advanced standing credit or took classes in summer school. Otherwise, see above.
  

• I took AP English in high school. What college credit does that give me?
  College credit for AP work depends on your AP Exam score.  A score of 3 on the AP English Exam provides credit for English 1113 (composition I). A score of 4 or higher provides credit for English 1113 and 1213. Required scores will vary by subject.
• I have 6 hours of AP credit. Why aren't the hours listed on my transcript?
  These hours will be posted after you complete 12 hours of OSU credit.
• I received credit for Biology 1114 & 1214 through a CLEP test. Why isn't it listed on my grade record?
  It will be posted after your next regular semester grades are entered if you completed 12 or more hours.
• I took a foreign language placement test and tested out of French 1115 & 1225. Why aren't they listed on my grade report?
  In order to achieve placement credit, you will need to complete the next level language course with a grade of A or B and apply to have credit reported for the levels you skipped. Applications are available in 202 Life Sciences East.
• What grade do I get for Advanced Standing (includes CLEP and AP) credit?
  There is no letter grade assigned for CLEP, AP, or other advanced standing credit courses.  You will receive a P, which signifies you passed the material associated with the course. These add hours earned without affecting your gpa.
• Where can I go to find out about CLEP tests?
  University Testing and Evaluation Services is located in 111 North Murray, 744-5958. CLEP exams are administered by appointment at a cost of $50-60 per exam.
• How many CLEP tests can I take?
  OSU offers 29 CLEP tests for degree credit.  The only limit to the number of CLEP exams allowed per student is related to the following residence requirements: A minimum of one-half of the upper-division requirements in a student's major field must be earned in residence at OSU. The last 18 hours prior to graduation must be taken in residence at OSU, and at least 30 credit hours must be earned at OSU. It is important to consider CLEP credit carefully. If you CLEP out of a course that serves as a foundation course for your major, will you be prepared well enough to handle future course work?

• How do I transfer my summer school credit from Tulsa Community College to OSU?
  Contact TCC's transcripts office to have your grades sent to OSU's Admissions Office, 104 Whitehurst.
• I am planning to transfer to OSU in the fall. How can I be sure that the classes in which I am currently enrolled will transfer for credit and apply to my degree?
  Either your current advisor or an Arts and Sciences Student Academic Services advisor can tell you which courses from Oklahoma institutions will transfer for OSU credit. For schools outside Oklahoma, you will need to contact the OSU Transcripts Evaluation office in University Admissions.
• I did not do well in my first college classes. Do I have to tell OSU that I have taken college level course work at another school?
  Yes.  You will sign a form when you apply that states you have provided all information regarding previous enrollments.
• I have an Associate's Degree. Will I be required to take any lower division course work at OSU?
  Your advisor will work with the evaluation of your transcript to determine if the courses you took for your associate's degree provide the appropriate foundation for your major requirements. If the major you have chosen requires lower division courses as prerequisites for upper division work, you will work with your advisor to determine which courses will need to be taken.
• How can I find out if my grades from another school have been transferred to OSU?
  The first place to look will be on your grade report posted on IDS. If you do not find the credits there, call the admissions office to verify that your paperwork has been received.
• Why didn't my computer science course transfer as an OSU computer science course? Who can help me if I have questions about course evaluations?
  Courses are evaluated according to content.  It may be that your course was not comparable to any computer science courses at OSU or that it was closer to a business computer course and given an MSIS designation. Questions regarding the way transfer courses are evaluated should be addressed to the Transfer Credit Evaluations Office in University Admissions.
  

• My advisor said I was listed as "undeclared," but I put psychology on my information sheet. Why isn't that listed as my major?
  Incoming freshmen begin their first semester with a Student Academic Services (SAS) advisor instead of moving directly to a major advisor.  This allows the student to take some time to adjust and discuss major options with someone not affiliated with any one major, while also learning about campus resources and University procedures. The advisors in SAS will work with you to make sure your schedule reflects the major field(s) you are leaning toward.  
• When and how do I declare my major?
  After you have completed 12 semester hours, you may officially declare your major. Come to Student Academic Services in 202 Life Sciences East to initiate the major declaration.
• The major I like has both a Science (BS) and an Arts (BA) degree. How do I pick the right one?
  Several A&S majors, usually social sciences, provide students with either BA or BS degree options. For the most part, the only differences will be the distribution of science and arts classes required and the foreign language requirement. Some majors will also have different major course requirements based on the degree type. You will need to decide which one will help you reach your long term goals, plans for second majors or minors, and your own academic strengths. For example: a political science major interested in a government career focused on the environment will have greater opportunity to develop a strong science background with a bachelor of science. One interested in foreign affairs might prefer a bachelor of arts, which allows more room to study foreign languages and cultures.
• Why do I have to change advisors when I declare my major?
  Once you get beyond the freshman level courses, sequencing within major courses becomes an important part of scheduling course work. The best person to help you interpret a specific degree sheet and decide which major options to take will be the departmental advisor. In addition, the departmental advisor will be more knowledgeable regarding internships, career options, and job opportunities within the field. 
• I can't decide on a major. How long can I be undeclared and who can help me choose a major?
  During your first couple of semesters, you should discuss possible majors with your advisor and sample introductory courses in majors of interest. You may also need to do some structured career investigation through Career Services (310 Student Union, (405)744-5472, or through ABSED 1112, World of Work. By the time you have completed 30 semester hours, future scheduling may require a more specific idea as to your future major. The longer you wait to decide, the more likely you are to have taken courses that are not required by your major, and therefore, must count as electives or become excess hours for your degree. 
• I like two different majors. Can I combine the them without adding hours to my degree?
  Several options for combining degree programs exist. Your choice will depend on what you want to do with the combination. The more closely related the degree programs, the more likely you will be to complete a combination (either a double major or a major/minor option) that does not require extra hours.
• What can I do with a degree in. . . ?
  Probably the most asked question concerning major choices is what kind of a job can I get with that major? The possibilities are really endless. The job you choose will have as much to do with your attitude and outlook as it will your major choice. Many employers are looking for employees who have been successful at completing any degree. Your diploma shows that you have completed a challenging task. The courses listed on your transcript and the grades you received show the employer how well you met the challenges of higher education. If you would like more specific answers, see What Kind of Job Can I get with a Major in. . . ? or contact the OSU Career and Study Skills Center in 308 Student Union.
  
  

• Do I have to take college algebra?
  That depends on your major. Arts and Sciences degrees require 6 hours of Analytical and Quantitative Thought course work. One math course at the college algebra level (Math 1513, 1483, or 1493) is required along with one of the following: a second math course, computer science, statistics, or critical thinking. 
• Do I have to take a foreign language?
  All Bachelor of Arts degrees require 10 hours of foreign language credit either through course work or credit by examination.  The Bachelor of Science degree does not require foreign language if you passed two years of a single foreign language in high school.
• I'm an international student. Do I need a foreign language? international dimension? non-western studies?
  The answer to this will depend greatly on your major and your high school language background. Your major advisor will need to discuss this with you.
• What is the difference between a B.S. and a B.A. degree?
  A Bachelor of Science degree requires more mathematical and natural science hours while a Bachelor of Arts degree requires more arts and humanities hours. In addition, the B.A. requires 10 hours of a foreign language while the B.S. only requires foreign language if you did not pass two years of the same foreign language in high school. Some majors offer both types of the bachelor's degree. There may be additional differences in the major courses required depending on your major.
• My degree sheet has a dash next to international dimension and scientific investigation. Are these required? What does this mean?
  Yes, these are degree requirements. The dashes indicate the requirements may be fulfilled through course work taken as any part of the degree. You are not required to take an additional class if you can incorporate a course that fulfills both a degree requirement and an "I" or "L." International dimension courses focus on study of a modern foreign culture while scientific investigation course work requires laboratory experimentation.
• Do I have to take A&S 1111 (Freshman Orientation)?
  A&S 1111 is required of all incoming Arts and Sciences freshmen. Only transfer students with 15 hours are exempt.
• Does OSU require a physical education course?
  No. In fact, leisure activity courses such as golf, weight training, etc. . . may not be used for degree credit (not even as electives) on any Arts and Sciences degree. 
  

• What is the difference between a major and a minor?
  A major requires you to complete an entire major course sequence while a minor requires approximately 18-26 hours of course work (usually upper division) within a degree program.
• I love studying German, but I want to major in journalism. How can I incorporate the two?
  You may major in journalism and incorporate German courses as your schedule allows, either by double majoring in the two or receiving a minor in German. Your choice depends on what you would like to accomplish by combining the two and whether you are willing to devote most of your elective hours to German or take some additional hours.
• Do I have to have a minor to graduate?
  No.
• I want to major in both political science and geography. How can I do that? Who will be my advisor?
  These programs are very compatible. First, decide which one will be your primary major. The advisor assigned to this major will act as your major advisor (sign enrollment forms, drop/add cards, etc. . . ). After meeting with your major advisor for scheduling or course information, it will be your responsibility to keep the advisor for your second major informed of your plans. You are ultimately responsible for seeing that all degree requirements are met, but you may go to either advisor for basic questions or additional assistance.
• Can I get a double major or minor without increasing my total degree hours required to graduate?
  That depends on the compatibility of the two degree programs.  Look over the degree sheets and determine how many courses overlap or may be listed as electives on the second degree.  It is much harder to complete two majors if one of the degrees allows only a small number of elective hours.
• What will my diploma list if I receive a double major? A minor? An area studies certificate?
  Only one major is listed on a student's diploma. In the case of a double major, the student's primary major is listed. Additional majors, minors, or area studies are recorded on the student's transcript.
• What is the difference between a second (double) major and a second degree?

  Double Major	Second Degree
  May be completed within the number of credit hours required for one major. One degree is chosen as the primary major, which is reflected on the student's diploma. The second major is reflected on the transcript.	Requires an additional 30 hours beyond those required for the completion of one degree. Both majors are considered equal with two diplomas issued to the student, each reflecting one of the degrees completed.

• What is a graduation check? Do I need one? What do I have to do?
  The Graduation Check confirms degree requirements met and outlines those yet to be completed. Every student should have one done during the semester prior to their anticipated graduation date. Students should check with their major advisor to confirm that a plan of study has been submitted to the Graduation Certification Office in 202 Life Science East. This office checks and calculates progress toward degree and sends the graduation check to both student and advisor.
• My grade report says "degree requirements not yet satisfied" but I thought I graduated. What is the problem?
  Degrees are not posted on transcripts for 10-14 days after grades are entered into the computer to allow sufficient time for transfer and correspondence grades to be received.
• What is the difference between convocation and commencement?
  Commencement is held once a year following the Spring Semester. All OSU students graduating in fall, spring or summer, regardless of College affiliation, are invited to attend. Convocation refers to the graduation exercises of each specific college. Convocation is held in Gallagher-Iba following both the fall and spring semesters.
• When and where is commencement? Do I need tickets?
  Commencement is held at Lewis Field and is scheduled the Saturday after final exams each spring semester. Tickets are not necessary for exercises at Lewis. However, in the case of rain, commencement is moved to Gallagher-Iba and each graduate is allowed two guests.
• Where do I go to get a cap and gown?
  The Student Store at the Union.
  

• I need to withdraw from the University?
  You will need to begin in the Student Academic Services office by filling out an official Withdrawal form. The form requires signatures from the Student's College, the Bursar, and the Registrar.
• I have credit for courses at another higher education institution?
  Contact the institution and request for an official copy of your transcript to be sent to the OSU admissions office.
• my advisor isn't in the office?
  If you need immediate attention, another advisor may be able to assist you. The Student Academic Services office provides back up advising in the event a student's major advisor is unable to assist the student prior to a deadline.
• I get a grade I don't think I deserve?
  Go talk to your instructor! If you are unable to remedy the situation, set up an appointment with the instructor's supervisor or department head. In the event that neither of these options works, your final option is a grade appeal through the Executive Vice President's Office.
• I've been sick for a week and haven't been to class?
  As soon as you can, contact all of your instructors either in person, on the phone, or through your advisor. The most important thing is to keep everyone informed so that you can keep up and your instructors will be aware of your situation.
  

• get an official transcript?
  The Registrar's transcripts office on the first floor of Whitehurst.
• my PIN reset?
  Sectioning, 440 Student Union with a valid ID.
• apply for work study or find out about campus jobs?
  OSU Career Services, 360 Student Union
• get a copy of my degree sheet?
  Student Academic Services, 202 Life Sciences East (in the grey file cabinet)
• find out about what jobs I can get with my major?
  Career and Study Skills Center, 308 Student Union
• apply for financial aid?
  Financial Aid Office, 110 Hanner Hall
• apply for scholarships?
  University Scholarships Office, 260 Student Union
• get help with math?
  The Mathematics Learning Resource Center (MLRC), Basement of S. Murray
• get help with my English paper?
  The Writing Center, 104 Morrill Hall
• appeal a grade?
  Office of the Vice President, 101 Whitehurst
• apply to the Honors Program?
  The Honors Program is located on the 5th floor of the Library. Admittance to the program requires one of the following:
  1.  ACT =27-29 (SAT 1200-1310) + 3.75 or higher high school gpa.
  2.  ACT =30 or above (SAT 1320 or above) + 3.50 or higher high school gpa.
  3.  College grade point average of 3.25 or higher for freshmen.

Student Academic Services   |     |   College of Arts and Sciences