Typical Freshman Questions

Q: I do not know what I want to major in, how am I going to be registered for courses?

A: It is okay if you are not sure about a major. A freshman's first semester schedule typically consists of an English course, a Math course, a General Education course such as World Civilization (explain General Education Program, especially World Civilization), UB 101 (explain UB 101), and an introductory course for a major. Tell me some of your interests, and I can recommend a few introductory courses for you to select from.

Q: Why do I have to choose an intended major?

A: In order to register for courses, a student must select an intended major. Once a student is registered, a DARS (Degree Audit Reporting System) report will be generated, based upon the intended major. The DARS report outlines all of the major and general education courses a student must complete in order to graduate from the university. DARS is an important tool for students and advisors when selecting courses in the future. However, the intended major that you are selecting now can be changed at any time.

Q: What if I change my mind about my intended major?

A: If you decide that you are interested in pursuing a different major, then you must contact me immediately. Remember, the courses that I have recommended are based upon the intended major we initially discussed. We can work together to make any necessary changes to your schedule, so that you are still taking the most appropriate courses. (This answer is for advisors in the following units: EOP, Honors, ACE (Academic Challenge and Enrichment Program), and Athletics. All other units if the change of major is in a different area, please forward the Orientation Data Form back to Matt Weigand informing him of the students new intended major and inform the student that another advisor will be contacting him/her.) Procedures for Major Changers

Q: What if I decide that I don't want to take a course for which I am registered?

A: If you would like to make changes to your schedule, you must contact me so that we can discuss the reason for the change, and I can help you find another course that is appropriate for you.

Q: My friend is registered for 16 credits, why do I only have 14?

A: The recommended courseload for a freshman is 14 to 16 credits. The actual number of credits you are registered for is based upon your individual interests and intended major. Also, we have a variety of courses that are worth different credit hours (example: Athletic course - 1 or 2 credits, English 101 - 3 credits, Mth 115 - 4 credits, SPA 101 - 5 credits).

Q: My major requires that I take MTH 121. However, I am registered for ULC 147.

A: Math placement is based upon your MATH SAT or ACT score and the courses you took in high school. At UB, we realize that students come to us with many different math backgrounds, and we are very careful about placing each individual student in the best math course. If you take MTH 121 without being fully prepared, you are putting yourself at risk of failing the course. I strongly encourage you to attend the ULC 147 class, and speak with your instructor about your concerns. Students can also consult with a staff member in The Math Place (209 Baldy Hall) about appropriate placement or can consider taking a math class during the summer. If this is something of interest to the student, explain summer course registration in more detail.