|
| |  | |
Frequently Asked Advising Questions
- REGISTRATION ISSUES
- GRADING ISSUES
- GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
- TRANSFER CREDIT ISSUES
- YOUR ADVISOR
- OTHER ADVISING QUESTIONS
REGISTRATION ISSUES:
- Do I need to keep copies of my own registration documents?
Yes, always retain copies of all your academic transactions, such as registration forms, add/drop forms, incomplete requests, independent study requests, requests for transfer credit, etc. If you ever need to submit an academic appeal, you will be asked to submit hardcopy documentation to support your appeal. Do not rely on your advisor to maintain copies of your documentation.
- I heard that I can take a class at Aurora University or North Central College, and that it is not considered transfer credit. What do I need to do to process this request?
Yes, this is true. Benedictine University, Aurora University, and North Central College are members of the West Suburban Consortium. Part of this agreement allows undergraduate degree seeking students to enroll as exchange students at the host school. You can pick-up a Consortium Exchange Course Authorization form in the Student Success Center (SSC), formerly known as the Academic Resource Center or the ARC , or Benedictine Central. You will need approval from your academic advisor and the University Registrar first before you can proceed to the host school. Once approved, your credit will not be recognized as transfer credit, but as home credit with the credit included in your home tuition and the grade included in your home grade point average. The policy of the Consortium Exchange is on the backside of the Consortium Exchange Course Authorization form.
- How do I identify if a course is applicable toward the liberal arts core?
Refer to the "Liberal Arts Core Elective List" in the Catalog (pages 96-97), which includes a comprehensive listing of Liberal Arts Core classes, and the core category in which the classes are classified.
- What does the designation, "TBA" mean when it appears in the course schedule?
TBA is the abbreviation for the term "To Be Announced". Academic Departments utilize this terminology when there is not yet enough detail on a course time or course location. For details on a course scheduled as "TBA", you may contact the Academic Department Office or check Ben-U Live for the latest information.
- If I drop a class after the first week of the scheduled class, what appears on the transcript?
If a class is dropped after the first week of the scheduled class (Fall or Spring semester) a "W" will be posted automatically on the transcript, reflecting a course withdrawal. There is no impact on the grade point average for any courses with a "W".
- Can I add a class after the first week of classes?
Yes, you can add a class after the first week of class under appropriate circumstances. When adding a class after the first week you will need signature approval from the instructor on the add/drop form. You will also need to obtain a signature from the SSC (and from your advisor if you are on freshman or sophomore status) before Ben Central will process the add form. Students are not encouraged to add classes after the first week of class, however, unless the circumstances are extraordinary.
- What do the letters in front of the course number mean?
You may see one of the following letters prior to the course number. You will also find these designations in the departmental course listings of your catalog.
- "C" represents the core designation,
meaning that the course will fulfill one of the core
elective requirements for graduation.
- "S" signifies that the course fulfills
one of the Skills requirements necessary for graduation.
(See "Graduation Requirements", 1a. on page 34 of
the Catalog.)
- "T" represents designation as a "Third
World" requirement necessary for teaching certification.
GRADING ISSUES:
- How can I replace a grade?
See "General Policies, Repetition of Courses" in your Catalog. "With the specific prior approval of the advisor, a student may normally repeat a Benedictine University course in which he or she previously enrolled." In an authorized repetition of a course, the student will not receive additional credit hours if he or she already earned credit hours in the course. The original grade will remain on the transcript, but only the more recent grade will be used in computing the grade point average. Only courses repeated at Benedictine University can be considered for authorized repetitions.
- What happens to my "I" grade, if I never complete the requested incomplete grade?
When you receive an "I" grade, it is intended only to be a temporary grade. There is a 180-day aging period on incompletes. The incomplete aging period begins at the end of the term that you request the incomplete. The "I" will be automatically converted to an "F" grade at the end of the 180-day period, if you do not complete the course as originally agreed upon with your instructor. Students are responsible for completing all course requirements and submitting any necessary work. Do not rely on the instructor to alert you about the incomplete grade.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Is BCHM C100, Technology & the Environment, a life science, physical science, or both?
BCHM C100, Impact of Science and Technology on Society, is classified as a Life Science Core only. See your Catalog for a comprehensive listing of Core Elective Classes by category.
- I have heard that there are courses satisfying the Fine Arts/Music requirement in which the Department designation is not FNAR/MUSI. Is this true?
Yes, COMM C250, Masters in American Cinema, COMM C251, History of Film, COMM C256, International Film, COMM C316, Advanced Television Production, and LITR C269, Introduction to Creative Writing, are classified in the category of Fine Arts/Music as Core. See your Catalog for a comprehensive listing of Core Elective Classes by category.
- I have heard that Math 105 and Math 110 are the same course. Is this true?
Yes, Math 105, Finite Math I, and Math 110, College Algebra, are considered as equivalent courses, with credit not granted for completion of both courses. If you need to repeat Math 105 or 110 to earn a higher grade, you may select either course as the repeat since they are viewed as equivalent.
- Do I need to complete a final grade of "C or better" in RHET 101 and 102 to satisfy the written skills graduation requirement?
If you entered Benedictine University effective the fall 2001 Catalog, you are required to earn a final grade of "C or better" in RHET 101, and RHET 102. Prior to fall '01, follow your catalog of entry requirements.
- Do I need a major or minor to graduate?
Yes, see "Graduation Requirements", 3 a. on page 35 of the Catalog. "A student must select a "major field" of study before completing 60 credit hours, and must complete the requirements set forth in the catalog under the heading for the selected major. Only courses in which a student has received a "C" or better may be applied to the major requirement. A minor is not required, but you are encouraged to add a minor to your academic program. See pages 46-48 of the Catalog for a comprehensive listing of majors and minors.
- Can I graduate with 119.66 semester hours?
No, absolutely not. The requirement of 120 semester hours overall is an absolute requirement and must always be satisfied to graduate.
- Does Math 095, Intermediate Algebra, count toward my 120-semester hour requirement?
Courses offered at Benedictine University that are numbered below 100 do not count toward the 120 credit hours required for graduation. However, the credit will be calculated into the cumulative grade point average, and the credit may be used toward academic progress for athletic eligibility.
TRANSFER CREDIT ISSUES:
- Are there transfer guides available on how credit may transfer into Benedictine University?
Yes, there are transfer guides available in the Office of Educational Services in Kindlon 224. These guides are also available on the Advising Matters website as well. Currently, there are transfer equivalency agreements with the following community colleges in the area:
- College of DuPage
- Elgin Community College
- Joliet Junior College
- Moraine Valley Community College
- Morton College
- Oakton Community College
- Triton College
- Waubonsee Community College
- W.R. Harper College
These transfer guides are updated on a regular basis.
- Can I take classes off-campus after I start at Benedictine University?
You can take courses from another institution under appropriate circumstances. (See pt#4 under Graduation Requirements in your Catalog, page 36, which focuses on the residency requirement.) Pick-up an "Approval of Transfer Credit" form in the Student Success Center or Benedictine Central, or check on-line forms under Advising Matters website. Submit your transfer approval request before you register for the course off-campus with your advisor for approval. If you are within the final 45 hours prior to graduation, it is imperative that you submit the form to the Student Success Center. There are transfer guides of the local community colleges in the Office of Educational Services, KN-224, and on the Advising Matters website.
YOUR ADVISOR:
- How do I change my advisor?
If you are a new freshman, you stay with your assigned freshman advisor during your first year of enrollment. For any questions about freshman advising, contact the Director of Freshman Advising in the Student Success Center.
If you are not a new freshman, you may contact the Department Chair of your primary major to discuss available options.
- When do I need my advisor's signature?
If you are classified as a freshman or sophomore (less than 60 hours earned), you must have your advisor's signature on all registration forms, and add/drop forms. If you are a junior or senior (60 hours earned or more), you are still required to have your advisor's signature on your registration form but it is not required on the add/drop form, if you decide to change your original term course schedule. It is always recommended, however, that you inform your advisor of any changes you make to your course schedule.
- What do I do when I can't find my advisor?
Always check the office door of your advisor for posted office hours. These office hours may change from term to term. Identify office hour availability and sign up for an appointment on the office door, if the posted hours allows for making appointments. Otherwise, your advisor welcomes walk-in appointments during posted office hours. Also, feel free to contact your advisor's Administrative Assistant about the availability of your advisor. If you are not on campus during your advisor's regular office hours, try contacting your advisor by email or telephone.
- What happens if my advisor doesn't have my file?
If your advisor does not have or cannot locate your advising file, please contact the Student Success Center or have your advisor do so. The SSC can create a new advising file from original documents.
OTHER ADVISING QUESTIONS:
- How do I change my major?
Pick-up a "Change of Academic Plan" form in the Student Success Center or Benedictine Central or check form in the "Advising Matters" website. Complete the form in full with the appropriate signatures. Use this form to declare a major from undeclared status, add a second major, declare a minor, or concentration. Submit the approved form to the Student Success Center for processing.
- Can I participate in varsity athletic competition if I am on academic probation?
To participate in NCAA- Division III athletic competition at Benedictine University, you must be in good academic standing, with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher. While on academic probation, with a grade point average less than a 2.0, you will not be eligible for athletic competition for that term. See Athletic Eligibility under Advising Matters on the website for more information.
- Can my parents/spouse contact my advisor and my instructors without my consent?
No, as an enrolled student in college, you have privacy
rights, no matter what your age may be. Your records privacy
is covered by FERPA. You may get more information on FERPA
by accessing the FERPA
page under the Advising Matters website.
- What do I do if I see a problem with my transcript?
You need to classify your concern into the following categories:
- If transfer credit or testing credit is not appearing
on your transcript, contact Wendy
Finch, Senior Transfer Credit Coordinator 630-829-6309.
- If your concern is about a posted grade for a class, you must contact your instructor of the class. You may find more information on the grade appeal process in your Student Handbook.
- If your concern is about a registration or add/drop issue, you contact Benedictine Central, or University College where your enrollment was processed.
- If your concern is about grade point calculation
or adjustments for a course repeat, contact the Registrar
in KN-224 630-829-6349.
- What do I do if I need to take a semester off?
See page 40 of the current Catalog and review the section
"Student leave of absence". You must complete an "Exit
Form" with Jon Miller,
Associate Dean 630-829-6515 Krasa 113. You do go on a
leave of absence by simply taking a semester off. A leave
of absence may extend for 2 full academic years, allowing
you to remain under your original catalog of entry.
- Who can I talk to if I want to change my major?
If you are considering a change of major, or adding on a minor or adding on a second major, feel free to make an appointment with the Department Chair of that discipline to explore the feasibility of making a change.
- What does it mean to take an "overload"?
When you register for more than 18 semester hours of credit per semester, you will be charged an additional tuition charge per hour over 18 hours. The tuition rate for overloads is the part-time tuition per hour will be added onto your full-time tuition.
- Under what circumstances should I drop a class?
Always consult with your instructor before dropping a
class. In addition, you should discuss the situation with
your advisor. We recommend you view the latest tutoring
schedule and see if there are tutoring sessions available
for your specific topic. Students can also consult a learning
specialist in the SSC Krasa 012 for assistance in the
class before dropping the class.
- What happens if I missed the deadline to apply for graduation?
Watch the master calendar for important academic deadlines,
including the application for graduation. The application
for graduation initiates the formal degree audit process
by your Academic Department Chair. If you miss a deadline,
contact the Registrar in KN-224 about the feasibility
of applying late for graduation consideration.
|
|
