Freshmen Advising and Schedule Changes

<p>Looking for some advice in terms of how my D can most effectively get her schedule changed. She has a major concern as to one of her professors (math) and although she wants to take the course, under no circumstances does she want to take it under this particular professor. Given that she is a freshman, what advice can you give her in terms of how to "appropriately" try and get into another section of the course. Could you also suggest whether she should just wait and discuss it with her advisor at orientation or try to request a change in advance. She noted that all online changes are blocked for Freshmen until the 22nd. She would really like to take the course this semester as the subject is fresh in her mind from her senior year but based on "Rate my Professor", one should only take this professor upon threat of death and even then its a close decision. I know that one should not put too much credence in "Rate my Professor" but there was not a single positive review in almost 100 ratings.</p>

<p>Also, does it help to come to the orientation advising session with several schedule change options/scenarios to assist in the discussion with the advisor. </p>

<p>Thanks again for your patience and advice during this transition.</p>

<p>Your D can request that change with her Academic Advisor during O-Week. In fact, I think that is the first available option to make any changes. I know my D changed one of her courses during her initial advising session. It is real easy to make the change as long as their is an available seat in another class that does not conflict with her schedule. </p>

<p>It is a good idea to have a list of different options and scenarios to discuss with your D’s advisor. My D made a list of these since a change with one class could impact the rest of her schedule so she had a few different options. Fortunately, she got the class she wanted and no changes were needed. As far as that rating site, it is generally accurate when all the responses are negative but it is not always right. I remember worrying about this exact same issue, how to change an assigned class, at this time last year. It is a lot easier than expected so don’t worry. Enjoy the rest of the time you have this summer with your D!</p>

<p>Srockrae-Bobby CT is right on the money and his DD has made excellent selections with course changes I believe. You asked about going to the advisor meeting with potential classes changes. I would highly recommend that-in fact, your student can log on to webadvisor then go the course listings pull-down menu and enter the subject he/she is considering. If it is a GER, make sure to enter that in the pull-down menu. The key is to check the box showing only those courses with available seats, which will give you some idea of getting that particular class and professor. In the 3 years our two have been at Furman ( and DD did 2 semesters at Georgia Tech), ratemyprofessor.com is usually very accurate. Our kids have been willing to take subjects with professors who were considered challenging but helpful-RMP scores in each of those domains.</p>

<p>Finally-just a friendly piece of advice: if for ay reason your s/d is not please with his advisor, DO NOT hesitate to request a change. My daughter has had great advisors, but our son did not “gel” with his first semester professor and requested a change. He ended up with the Associate Academic Dean for an advisor which was a tremendous experience. </p>

<p>Your child will enjoy O week-it makes the transition to college much smoother-even for parents. Good luck-will be thinking of you next week!</p>