<p>Does anybody know when incoming freshmen have to choose courses for first semester, and how do they go about doing it?</p>
<p>Basically how it works is that, for your first semester, your schedule is chosen for you based on AP classes, Foote Standing, placement tests, etc. If you don’t like your schedule (e.g. I was placed in Honors Orgo and Honors Physics back-to-back last semester), you can go to your adviser and get it changed; only problem with this is that you don’t have many choices, since all the sophomores, juniors, and seniors had registered last Spring, so you may not be able to get into some of the classes that you actually want to take.</p>
<p>There is an open text-box on the course preferences form, and I actually listed in that box EXACTLY what I wanted to take, and I got those exact courses. So essentially I picked my schedule and got what I wanted.</p>
<p>Obviously, though, it will depend on a) whether you even meet the requirements for those courses, b) there are openings in those courses, and c) who processes your request form. I don’t know if I got lucky because I’m a Foote Fellow or what, but it was nice.</p>
<p>If you don’t get exactly what you want, though, don’t worry. It’s only for your first semester that you have little say. Second semester and beyond, you get to dig your own hole! :p</p>
<p>When do you fill out the course preference form? What if you want to take an elective like a music class? I’m a bit confused by the two previous posts which seem to contradict each other. Please advise!</p>
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<p>The confusion is probably because there are two possible scenarios: 1) if you’re a Foote Fellow, your schedule is more about what you want and less about fulfilling general requirements, hence the flexibility my post highlighted. 2) If you’re not a Foote Fellow, your schedule will be based on your placement determined by AP credits, SAT/ACT scores, etc.</p>
<p>So when does this all happen? Since DS committed to UM, I’ve been overwhelmed with work. Will sit down with him this week to see what he has to do before he goes down there. He’s in engineering and that curriculum is pretty set - only a few electives over the course of four years - but still…</p>
<p>In te engineering school, you go meet with an advisor during orientation who pretty much lays out the classes you need to take and gets you registered. The advising is generally awful, though, so be prepared to fight a bit. My first semester, the guy wanted me to take 12 credits. I was like, “dude, I want to graduate eventually!” lol</p>
<p>DS is planning to major in computer engineering and is a Foote Fellow. I assume his adviser will be in the engineering school? Also I assume he will have to head down to Miami sometime in the summer to register for classes before move-in?</p>
<p>Course selections weren’t due until sometime in June last year, I think it was pretty late in the month. After you submit the courses you want to take, a schedule is generated by the computer system and your student will receive the schedule during orientation. Randomly generated : P you might say. The way course selections translate to fall schedules was explained to me in advance by several parents who have been through the process, thankfully! I am so glad we’d already heard this when IllD93 received her schedule or she would have been freaking out when she saw her “schedule” which had no Spanish (as a Bio/Spanish double major that was disconcerting), no UMX (which she had put in her course selections), but did have Chem listed (which she’d AP’d out of) and also Theatre (?) etc. </p>
<p>It may be different for engineering majors with their more structured curriculum but for college of arts and sciences majors - computer generated schedules for freshman don’t always work well if you have FF status. I"m not sure if they are just as wacky for non-FFs but I’m guessing perhaps they might be in some cases - in any case **DO NOT WORRY. **Everything is sorted out in person when your student meets with their advisor during those meetings you’ll see listed on the Orientation schedule. </p>
<p>The []<em>[] is at its best when its people are involved. The []</em>[] is not a school full of bureaucratic red tape - and when technology is imperfect their people come through. When your student sits down with a real person a corrected schedule will be put together during that meeting. It is only the first schedule that works this way; after they are enrolled they will meet with an advisor in advance and will then select the classes they want online at their registration time. IllD93 already registered for fall 2013 cllasses and has her schedule in hand. </p>
<p>At schools that have summer orientation/registration (our flagship does it that way, as did IllD93’s other top choice, UMinnesota) the schedule is generated at that time allowing time to purchase books at leisure, etc. But those schools also required us to physically show up for that summer event and with so many out of state/out of US students attending the []_[] that approach is not as workable. I preferred not having to head down to Miami in June or July for orientation/registration, saving us a trip (and a lot of $) and having it all happen the week before classes started when we were already there. One issue with this approach is kids are scrambling for books with only a few days notice. However the bookstore has a very generous grace period for returns allowing plenty of time if you want to purchase your books on Amazon (get the free Student Prime membership right before orientation!)</p>
<p>Thanks so much! It is nice that we won’t have to make another trip down to Miami until move-in if DS decides to attend Miami. Minnesota is also one of DS’ top choices so we will be visiting next week before he finally decides.</p>
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<p>Time for another long and rambling post -
During summer orientation/registration for my son eight years ago at our flagship where we spent two days walking around in the scorching heat on that sprawling flat as a pancake campus located in the middle of a vast expanse of cornfields (<a href=“http://illinoisaxiom.files.■■■■■■■■■■■■■/2011/08/aeriel-view-cornfield-uiuc.jpg[/url]”>http://illinoisaxiom.files.■■■■■■■■■■■■■/2011/08/aeriel-view-cornfield-uiuc.jpg</a>) parents and students were told repeatedly NOT to schedule a full load first semester freshman year. The admins talked about all the distractions during those first few months of college - being away from home and juggling making new friends, joining new clubs, struggling with decisions you never had to in high school. Establishing priorities in the face of temptation- should you stay in your room and study for that test the next morning when all your new friends are heading out for a party and trying to convince you to come along? Doing laundry, learning to live in one tiny room with a stranger, soooo many new things to manage at once. </p>
![http://illinoisaxiom.files.■■■■■■■■■■■■■/2011/08/aeriel-view-cornfield-uiuc.jpg[/url]](http://illinoisaxiom.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/aeriel-view-cornfield-uiuc.jpg%5B/url%5D){kind=link}
<p>The dean of A&S at our flagship just kept repeating different iterations of “we just don’t want you to flunk out” and apparently first semester is the critical period to make it through. He advised the incoming students in A&S (who make up half the undergraduate student body there) to take a light load during their first semester to ensure they weren’t overwhelmed with work and a newly transformed social life with all its temptations. </p>
<p>Not sure how that translates to UMiami and engineering but with FF status and AP credits will you still have to take a heavy load for all eight semesters? I’ve heard the engineering curriculum is not very flexible but as a FF, without university gen ed requirements, are there no electives taken in the fall of freshman year?</p>
<p>I don’t expect advisors at the <em> are quite as worried about engineering students flunking out as they are at our flagship where I’ve always heard waaaay more on-campus partying goes on - on-campus keggers especially in a cluster of six dorms appropriately referred to as the “Six Pack” - along with off campus revelry since 19 year olds being allowed in all the bars. but perhaps maintaining a high GPA during the first semester was his concern? I’ve just always heard that the </em> is excellent at getting students through in four years, not holding them back…</p>
<p>Another thing about advising is that IllD93 has several advisors - one for FF, one for her major, in addition to Dr. Green (who advises Stamps students). I believe she is adding a second major this week and that will add another advisor : ) She’s been thrilled with the advising she’s gotten so far!</p>
<p>I feel like that whole “adjusting to college classes” thing is overblown. All of my first semester classes (with the notable exception of Physics) were as easy if not easier than my high school classes. I had a pretty active social life, took 16 credits, and did just fine. this semester I’m taking 18 and still doing fine.</p>
<p>As far as registration goes, the kids I know in Arts and Sciences and Rosenstiel have had a much easier time of it, but I’ve been exasperated by the Engineering school’s abject lack of flexibility and seeming propensity to discourage students from overachieving. I’m completing a dual degree in Music Engineering (through the Frost school) and Electrical Engineering, and the music school has been wonderfully helpful while the Engineering school has been an absolute pain in the neck every single semester. I’ve learned that to get anything done with Engineering advising, you pretty much have to go behind the backs of some of the higher-ups in the administration, as they’re very against double-majoring. I have a friend who is completing a double major in BME and Spanish and she’s had the same issues. We are both entirely capable academically, but the College of Engineering doesn’t seem to think so.</p>
<p>I will say that it’s probably less of a headache for students who aren’t looking to double major. But it’s infuriating to get the same crap from these college advisors that I did from my inept high school counselor: “don’t take this class, it’ll be too much work.” I’ve sure gotten used to hearing that.</p>
<p>I probably just made it sound worse than it is- that’s really been the only constant negative I’ve experienced at the U and it’s at worst a moderate annoyance.</p>
<p>I just remembered the pre-orientation webinars that the []<em>[] held last summer. These webinars were great! The Orientation department sent out an email about the series of webinars on May 23rd last year, per my old email. You registered in advance for any you were interested in attending live and then the []</em>[] emailed a link prior to the event so you could log on while it was happening. In addition, the webinars were available to view afterward on the office of orientation website. </p>
<p>Here’s the email with the topics and dates from** LAST YEAR **- I’m guessing they’ll do something similar this year :
**
SUMMER PRE-ORIENTATION WEBINARS</p>
<p>This summer, we are offering a variety of different pre-orientation webinars for new students and parents. The sessions are presented by university administration and students on topics that may generate questions over the summer that youd like answered before you arrive to campus for the orientation program. The topics for this summer are listed below. If you are unable to attend a webinar, they will be recorded and available on the orientation webpage for view at a later time.</p>
<p>Space is limited, and the registration links for each webinar are listed below. Please note that you must register for each webinar that you would like to attend. Once you register, you will receive an email confirmation from the system with the technical specifications needed to participate in the webinar. </p>
<p>Thursday, May 31
11:00 a.m.
Course Registration and Academic Advising
Presenters:
· Karen Beckett, Associate Registrar
· Vivechkanand V Chunoo, Academic Ombudsperson and Academic and Career Advisor in Residence (ACAR) for Hecht Residential College
Now that youve submitted your course preferences, this webinar will provide you with information about the course registration process that happens during the summer before you arrive on campus. We will review the academic advising process that takes place during orientation and provide information about related topics such as math placement testing, textbook purchases, and degree/major exploration resources.
<a href=“side%20note%20re%20timing%20on%20course%20selections%20%20-%20I%20see%20it%20says%20%22now%20that%20you’ve%20submitted%20course%20preferences%22%20and%20someone%20posted%20here%20on%20CC%20on%20May%201st%20that%20the%20course%20selection%20function%20had%20become%20available.%20I%20know%20IllD93%20did%20NOT%20do%20hers%20that%20early%20though%20-%20I%20can%20see%20from%20old%20emails%20that%20she%20hadn’t%20even%20looked%20at%20the%20course%20selection%20forms%20as%20of%20late%20May%20-%20too%20busy%20dealing%20with%20AP%20tests/Prom%20drama/graduation%20speech”>/b</a>**</p>
<p>Tuesday, June 5th
11:00 a.m.
Campus Dining & Meal Plans
Presenter:
· Marco Gonzalez, Financial Analyst, Auxiliary Services
This webinar will review meal plan information for freshman living on campus and answer any questions you may have before you arrive! The presenter will provide you with an overview of the meal plan options, and places to eat on campus. Presenter will also cover how to access the Dine on Campus Website to find menus and nutritional Information.</p>
<p>Wednesday, June 20
12:00 p.m.
Your Career Starts Now!
Presenters:
· Veronica Soto, Assistant Director, Career Events, Toppel Career Center
· Emanuel Adjekum, Assistant Director, Sr. Business Consultant, Toppel Career Center
Don’t wait to begin planning for your future career! Whether your plans include full time employment or graduate school, the Toppel Career Center can help you achieve your goals. Frits and Megan will discuss career assessments, the importance of internships, career development and networking programs, and resources available on HireACane.com.</p>
<p>Tuesday, June 26
12:00 p.m.
Learn Why Toppel is Among the Best Career Centers in the Country
Presenters:
· Christian Garcia, Executive Director, Toppel Career Center
· Ali Rodriguez, Director of Career Development, Toppel Career Center
Preparing for your career early on is critical. You, as a transfer student, need to jump start your career because of time constraints while at UM. Join us for this informative webinar, and learn about the importance of internships, services, and events that the Toppel Career Center offers to help you make valuable connections. Let us show you how we can empower you to take control of your career!</p>
<p>Wednesday, July 11
11:00 a.m.
Information Technology Services
Presenters:
· Elizabeth Zaldivar, Human Resources Specialist, Information Technology
Join members of the information technology staff in this webinar that provides an overview of their programs and services for students. Information will be provided about back-to-school computer bundles that are available for purchase through the Technology Product Center, free software and technical support for your computer on-campus, as well as Wireless Canes, UPrint and other email related services.</p>
<p>Wednesday, July 25
1:00 p.m.
Residential College Move-in and New Student and Parent Orientation Schedule
Presenters:
· Jon Baldessari, Associate Director, Housing & Residential Life
· Dr. Brian Orefice, Director, New Student and Parent Orientation
This webinar will review information that pertains to your first few days on campus and answer any questions you may have before you arrive! The presenters will provide you with an overview of the residential college move-in process, including things to bring and available vendor services. We will also provide a day-by-day overview of the New Student and Parent Orientation schedule, including the check-in process and major campus events.</p>
<p>Thursday, July 26th
5:00 p.m.
Why Early Involvement Leads to Future Success
Presenters:
· Andrew Wiemer, Director, Butler Center for Service and Leadership
· Laura Stott, Director, Student Activities and Organizations
Current students and staff will share their thoughts on why getting involved as a first-year student is beneficial for both personal and professional growth. Current students will share their own experiences about their time at UM and Student Affairs staff will lend their professional insight on student involvement at UM. Featuring over 265 student organizations, the Department of Student Activities and Student Organizations oversees UMs registered student organizations and offers resources to students who are interested in hosting programs on campus. UM also offers a variety of service and leadership opportunities through the Butler Center for Service and Leadership. Especially for first-year students, UMs first service day, Orientation Outreach, is held during orientation week and brings first-year students into their local community to provide them with an in-depth look at their new neighborhood. First Year U and IMPACT are two leadership development opportunities that often serve as a catalyst for future success amongst participants, connecting first-year students with current campus leaders and UM faculty. Taking advantage of these involvement opportunities will foster a sense of belonging to the Cane family.**</p>
<p>
Should be noted that this complication in multi-majoring only comes into play when the College of Engineering is involved. Double-majoring across other colleges is seemingly easy, encouraged, and supported throughout the university.</p>
<p>
As well as the notable exceptions of pretty much any 200-level or above science class, namely Organic Chem. Came in with credit from AP Chem for both semesters of freshman chemistry, took orgo my first semester freshman year, almost failed my first test. Yes, most intro-level classes will be as easy, if not easier, than high school classes. But for those who are coming in with AP credits, those 200-level science classes are no joke. Just be warned of that.</p>