February 2008

How do I declare a major?
-Lost in CAL, Weaver Hall.
Dear CAL, The major department head signature is required on a Change or Declaration of Major form. These forms are available at all academic department offices or for students changing to Undeclared in the Career and Academic Planning office in Wilson 301. Some majors are competitive and have admission criteria such as a GPA requirement, a deadline to declare, completion of core courses and a departmental application. In certain cases, you will need to declare a “major-prep” status initially. Speak to your advisor for individual information regarding your decision, and refer to your Undergraduate Catalog for specifics related to each academic program. You may also contact the academic department directly.

Does a major dictate the type of job I pursue?
-Need a Path, Huffman Hall.
Dear Path, While there are a few majors that prepare you for a specific career field, the majority are applicable to many types of job opportunities. The Career Guide to JMU Majors is a resource which gives examples of the variety of jobs JMU students are actually doing with their major. It also has professional organizations and internet sites listed, and can be accessed at www.jmu.edu/cap/career_guide. The CAP Resource Center in Wilson 303 is another excellent place to research information related to specific majors, career fields and the job market.

I am a Freshman, when will I be assigned a new major advisor?
-Advise me please, Bell Hall.
Dear Advise,  The mass transfer to major advisors takes place on February 12th.  Change or Declaration of Major forms turned into the Registration Services (Warren Hall, 3rd floor) by 5:00 p.m. on February 5th will be processed, those handed in afterwards will be processed after Spring Break.  Your advisor assignment should be in the system when you return from spring break in March.  If you have changed or declared a major, you will be assigned a major advisor in that department.  If you remain undeclared or change to undeclared, most undeclared students will remain with their present freshman advisor, or be assigned one, in Career and Academic Planning.  If you are not notified regarding your advisor assignment, contact your major department or CAP to inquire. 

If I am Undeclared Freshman, is there a deadline to declare my major?
-Pressure, Hillside Hall
Dear Pressure, Yes, students will have to declare a major by the third Friday of the first semester of their sophomore year (September 19, 2008).  However, some majors have limited space, a deadline to declare, GPA requirements, and other admission criteria to be accepted into their programs.  Many have major-prep courses, prerequisites, or lower-level core classes which should be started during your first year at JMU.  Your academic advisor can discuss with you these individual program requirements. You can also check out admissions requirements online.

Do I need to have a minor?
-Looking for options, Eagle Hall.
Dear Options, Minors are not required, with the exception of a few major programs, which are listed in the catalog.  Many students choose to add a minor to pursue additional interest areas.  You can declare a minor on the same form that you change/declare a major.  Some minors require a department head signature. For a list of options, see JMU Minor Programs.

December 2007

What should I do if I have a Tech Level I hold on my record?
-Computer Phobic, Shorts Hall
Dear Phobie, contact the Cluster 1 technology coordinator, Catherine Mahoney, at mahonect@jmu.edu  or 568-2508 to establish a contract stating when you will complete the test. Once the contract is in place, the hold will be lifted from your record. In the meantime, this hold will prevent you from making course adjustments to your schedule. For more information on the Tech Level I and ISST tests, visit the General Education website.

What is the IS 202 course?
-Undecided, Gifford Hall
Dear Undecided, the IS 202 course is a one credit elective course called Career and Life Planning.  It is designed to assist freshman and sophomores with their major and career decision-making process.  It is a block course which meets for half a semester, offered during both the first and second eight-week sessions of the fall and spring semesters.  It is an interactive class which involves small group activities and individual exercises designed to help you with your major/career path.

Where can I turn for help if I am still undecided as far as my major and career decision?
-Need a future, Weaver Hall
Dear Future, in addition to your freshman advisor and the IS 202 course, Career and Academic Planning in Wilson 301 offers an array of resources and services.  Mark your calendar for the Majors Fair, Wednesday, January 30th from 2-5pm in Transitions in Warren Hall, students and faculty from all the majors at JMU will be available to answer questions about their programs.  The Major and Career Decisions Making Program (MCDP) provides individual assessment of your strengths skills and interests, followed by a series of small group workshops.  The Career and Academic Planning Resource Center in an excellent place to get information on careers and internship opportunities.  The Career Guide to JMU Majors is also a great resource to check out the types of jobs you can do with each major. 

Are there any resources available for internships?
-Experience wanted, Ikenberry Hall
Dear Ike, the Career and Academic Planning Resource Center in Wilson 303 is a great resource for internship opportunities.  Please mark your calendar for the Internship Fair on Thursday, February 28th from 9-11:30 in Festival. The CAP office also lists internship websites and has internship directories, available in the Resource Center.

October 2007

When do I get to pick my Spring classes?
-Impatient, White Hall
Dear Impatient:  The majority of first year students will register for the 2007 spring semester during November 12-16. Individual dates are based according to the number of credit hours earned prior to the 2007 fall semester. Some students will have advance registration at an earlier time due to practice schedules or needed accommodations. Students will be given a 48 hour initial window in which to register. Course adjustments can be made following the registration period from November 26 through December 21 (more than 17 credit hours can be added at this time). E-campus will not be available over the Thanksgiving break.  Check e-campus to view your specific registration appointment time.

Who can help me pick my classes?
-Ida Noe, Chesapeake Hall
Dear Ida: Your academic advisor can assist you with course selection. For those who are undeclared, Career & Academic Planning will see students by appointment during the month of November through the registration period. If you are declared, contact your major advisor for assistance in your major department. 

Can I register for a course as credit/no credit?
-Jay Lowe, Shorts Hall
Dear Jay: Students are only eligible to take a course on a credit/no credit basis if they have at least 28 credit hours earned and a 2.25 cumulative GPA. Therefore, most first year students are ineligible. Courses which may NOT be taken as credit/no credit include general education, major, minor, and degree requirements. All required courses must be taken for a grade.

How do I figure out my GPA?
-Looking for the Honor Roll, Huffman Hall
Dear Looking: To calculate your GPA, divide the quality points earned by the number of credit hours attempted. Refer to the Undergraduate Catalog for a chart of the JMU grading system and how to calculate your GPA.

When do I have to take that computer test?
-M. S. Doss, Chandler Hall
Dear M.S.: The fall semester deadline for completion of Tech Level I tests is Friday, November 16. You may take any of the three sections over if needed for a passing score. The tests can be taken any time during Ashby Lab hours of operation. The Lab is open Mondays and Wednesdays 10-4, Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30-4, and Fridays 9-2.

What happens if I fail to complete the Tech Level I tests?
-Need Help, Garber Hall.
Dear Need: A hold will be placed on your record (can’t adjust your schedule) if you do not achieve the required score on each of the three Tech Level I components including MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Excel. Tutorials are available to prepare you for these exams on the General Education website.  You can also contact the Technology Coordinator, Catherine Crummett, at 568-2508 or crummecm@jmu.edu.

September 2007

I have been working really hard at my classes, but I am having trouble with one of them (8 a.m.) and wanted to know if I could still drop it?
-Night Owl, Potomac Hall
Dear Night: Adjusting nocturnal tendencies can be difficult for anyone. Yes, you can drop your class. The end of the course adjustment period is Thursday, October 25th. If you withdraw, you will have a "W" on your grade report and transcript. Which might mean for you "Way too early". The deadline for first block courses is September 25th and for second block is November 15th. Your freshman advisor's signature is needed on a course adjustment form for any changes to your schedule. For more dates and deadlines, visit the Registrar's academic calendar.

I've been going to IS 202 every Tuesday from 5-7:30 and no one shows up but me. No professor, classmates, nobody. What is going on?
-All Alone, Logan Hall
Dear Alone: You probably should look at your schedule a little more closely. There you will find that you have a second block section of IS 202. Just a reminder to you and your future classmates, second block classes start the week of October 15th. How long have you been? Forget it, I don't want to know.

How do I qualify for the honor roll?
-Browne N., Huffman Hall
Dear Browne: At JMU we have two semester Honors lists. Good attendance, attentiveness in class and keeping up with your assignments/tests will place you on one of the two. They are the Dean's list (3.5-3.89 GPA, 12 credit hours minimum) or the President's List (3.9 and above GPA, 12 Credit hours minimum). Remember, if you should fall short of your goal, you need at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA to be in good standing at JMU.

I am having trouble in some of my courses. Is there any place I can go for help?
-Inieda Tudor, Chappelear Hall
Dear Inieda: Sure, there are plenty of people on campus that are here to help you! You can start with your academic advisor, who can provide you with information, suggestions, and referrals. Check out the Career and Academic Planning website listing all the support programs at JMU. Stop by the First Year Involvement (FYI) office in Huffman hall. Seek out the coordinator, Kathy Campbell, she rocks!

How can I prep for the Tech I test and where do I take it?
-Scared Stiff, Ashby Hall
Dear Stiff: Check out the on-line tutorial for the Tech Level I test. First year students need to complete this by November 16th, 2007. The "Go for the Gold" modules to prepare for the ISST test can also be found online. First year students need to complete this test by April 18th, 2008. Additional general information is available through the Gen Ed website. You must take both the Tech Level I and the ISST in Ashby Lab on the ground floor of Ashby Hall. The lab's hours for the Fall can be found here.