New Students
Freshmen and Transfer Students
Once I am admitted, then what?
Are there materials I should read before coming to my advising appointment?
What should I bring with me to my advising appointment?
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Freshman/Transfer Questions
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Current Students and Prospective Students
How do I declare my major and/or minor?
What are the advantages of declaring my major and minor?
Who can help me if I am not sure what major and/or minor to pursue?
Where do I go for advising?
What are my basic responsibilities during my academic advising appointment?
What should I do to prepare to register?
What do I need to do before I am able to register for classes?
How do I register for classes? (PDF)
How do I print my schedule? (PDF) Page 2
Are there any tips regarding registering for classes?
Are there any alternative methods for earning University credits?
What should I do if I am having difficulties with a class?
What options are there if I cannot complete a class?
If I want to withdraw from a class, what issues should I first consider? (PDF)
What happens if I go on probation or am dismissed from the University?
What other University services are there to help me with my education?
What courses meet the General Education program requirements? (PDF)
What are the advantages of declaring your major and minor?
- Provides you with a set curriculum so you can confidently register for courses each semester.
- Provides you with information from the department of your major regarding changes to your program, to certification requirements, licensure or state legislation changes.
- Qualifies you to meet with faculty advisors of your major.
- Increases your enjoyment of courses and college life by having a goal in mind.
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Who can help me if I am not sure what major and/or minor to pursue?
Career Services Center, 200 McKenny Hall, 734.487.0400, is the office that can help you.
Things you can do:
- Visit the Career Services Center resource room for career information.
- Take one or more of the self-assessment inventories to understand your interests and abilities:
www.career.emich.edu/new/currstu/carplan.html
Then, schedule an appointment to see a career counselor to discuss possible career directions and/or concerns.
- Consider taking an exploratory course in a subject that interests you.
- Consider taking COUN 100 Career Exploration & Decision Making, 2 credit hours, to help guide you through the process of exploring careers.
- Visit the Career Services Center Web site:
www.career.emich.edu/.
Click on “Current Student” in the left panel for details on the services offered, including:
- career planning & resources
- student employment
- “what can I do with a major in…?,”
- fairs & events
- co-operative education/internships
- resume writing
- interviewing tips
- and more.
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Where do I go for advising?
Academic Advising Center —> Undeclared Majors
If you have not declared your major, make an appointment with:
Academic Advising Center, 301 Pierce Hall – 734.487.2171.
An academic advisor can:
- Explain EMU General Education requirements (they may change based on your major interest).
- Provide information on CLEP (College Level Examination Program) testing or "credit by examination" (may be available through the academic department when CLEP is not available).
- Discuss options for students on academic probation.
- Assist with course selection.
College advising center and academic departments —> Declared Majors
If you are decided on a major, declare your major at: www.emich.edu/aac/majmin.htm. You must then go to the faculty advisor in your academic major department (see the Class Schedule book table of contents for addresses & phone numbers) or your college advising center:
Please be cautious of “roommate/sibling advising.” Although good intentioned and convenient, these avenues of information may be inaccurate.
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What are my basic responsibilities at and during my academic advising appointment?
Basic Student Responsibilities
- Treat your appointment as a professional engagement.
- Arrive on time, with your cell phones and beepers turned off.
- Use appropriate and professional language.
- Come prepared with all of your advising documents (see folder).
- Keep track of the advisors with whom you meet and speak. Take clear notes about what you discuss and any actions that you will need to do.
- Be prepared to speak for yourself ? as we meet individually with you.
- Ask when would be a good time to seek your next advising appointment. It is your responsibility to stay connected with your program requirements and your advisor. Plan ahead!
Items to bring
- Your Advising Folder: Maintain a folder with all of your academic records and bring your folder with you to every advising appointment. Documents to keep readily available in your folder:
- Initial advising agreements from your first advising session upon entering the University.
- Any math and/or foreign language placement results (if applicable).
- A recent printed copy of your academic records from you my.emich account.
- A copy of any substitution/equivalency forms (if applicable), including transfer guides.
- All notes from previous advising appointments.
- Your catalog or
- Your schedule book (if available).
- You can access the schedule book online at: it.emich.edu/service/online/ocsb.
- You also can access the “real-time” schedule book from your my.emich account
- log in to your my.emich account at my.emich.edu
- click on the tab that says “Student”
- scroll down and click on “Student Services and Financial Aid”
- click on “Registration”
- click on “Look-up Classes”
- A list of questions for your advisor, such as:
- are there second admission requirements for my major?
- what sequence of courses should I take?
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What should I do to prepare to register?
- Activate your my.emich account if you have not already done so.
- Make sure your student account is paid in full and you have no other holds on your record.
You can access this information from your my.emich account.
- Log into your my.emich account at my.emich.edu.
- Click on “Student.”
- Scroll down and click on “Student Services and Financial Aid.”
- Click on “Student Records.”
- Click on “View Holds,” as well as “Financial Aid Holds” on the bottom margin.
- Know when you can register.
- Identify your correct registration appointment time online at: www.emich.edu/registrar/stguides.htm or look in your my.emich account under “Student.”
Down the right-hand panel in the Registration Center there is a link called “appointment time.”
- Count only the credit hours for which you have earned a grade or transfer credit — do not count the current semester.
- If you are a new freshman, you typically have zero completed hours (unless you have AP credit, CLEP credit or earned college credit during high school).
- If you have special accommodations to allow you to register early (such as Honors, varsity athletics or Access Services permission) know your alternate pin number.
- Are you taking a math class next semester?
- Check your placement level on the Math Placement Authorization Form (pink sheet). If you need a new form contact the Developmental Math Advising Center, 508 Pray-Harrold — 487.4474 or the Academic Advising Center, 301 Pierce Hall — 487.2171.
- Take the Math Placement Test at the Math Student Service Center, 503 Pray-Harrold if you want/need to improve your placement level. Bring the Math Placement Authorization Form (pink sheet) and a picture ID with you.
- After taking the Math Placement Test see an advisor in the Developmental Math Advising Center, 508 Pray-Harrold — 487.4474 to review your results and next action steps.
- Are you taking a foreign language class next semester?
- You may want/need to take a Foreign Language Placement Test at the Department of Foreign Languages and Bilingual Studies, 219 Alexander — 487.0130.
- Testing is available M-F, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., be there by 3 p.m.
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What do I need to do before I am able to register for classes?
You must activate your University my.emich account if you have not already done so.
- You can find instructions in the EMU Student Guide online at:
www.emich.edu/registrar/stguides.htm.
- If you have any problems, contact the IT Help Desk at 487.2120.
- Make sure you know your pin number and your student “E” ID number.
- If not, visit the Office of Records and Registration, 303 Pierce Hall — 487.2300.
- You must show picture ID.
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Are there any tips regarding registering for classes?
- Make sure you meet the prerequisite and/or co-requisite for a course before attempting to register — you may need departmental permission. See the course index in your undergraduate catalog. Access to the catalog online is at: www.emich.edu/public/catalogs. You may also access such information while you are registering through your my.emich account. Click on the CRN No. under “Look-Up Classes” and then click on the course title Web link.
- Have more course possibilities than your ultimate goal, so that if you cannot register for one class you will already have an alternate course. Prioritize your top choices and register for them first.
- Schedule classes Monday through Friday if you live on campus.
- If you commute and cannot take classes Monday through Friday, it is recommended that you take a Monday/Wednesday/Friday pattern as opposed to a Tuesday/Thursday pattern to allow for a more even distribution of class time and break time throughout your weekly schedule.
- Avoid classes during your first year that meet once a week or in the evening unless you have outside commitments that do not permit you to take day classes.
- If a class is full, keep checking the availability on the Web registration system and/or contact the academic department for their policy and procedures on enrollment limit overrides.
- Review the Registration Student Guides located at www.emich.edu/registrar/stguides.htm, especially the “Codes and Abbreviations” section.
- Be aware of building location — some courses are offered at EMU’s off-campus sites such as EMU-Livonia.
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Are there any alternative methods for earning University credits?
- Advance Placement Test (AP)
If you took an AP test in high school and you have not sent the scores to EMU, do not hesitate to contact the AP board at 1.888.CALL.4AP (1.888.225.5427) and ask them to send your scores to Eastern Michigan University, College of Arts and Science Dean’s Office, 411 Pray-Harrold, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. The EMU code is 001201.
- College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
- CLEP permits you to demonstrate college-level competence achieved outside the classroom and earn credit for introductory courses through testing in areas such as composition and literature, science, mathematics, foreign languages, social sciences and business.
- Visit www.emich.edu/aac/clep.htm for more information. The EMU code is 1201.
- Credit by Examination
These may be available through academic departments when CLEP is not available.
Note: for information regarding policies and limitations see “Alternative Methods for Earning University Credit” in the Undergraduate Catalog.
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What should I do if I am having difficulties with a class?
- Talk to your instructor(s) as soon as your difficulties arise.
- Utilize services on campus, such as the Holman Learning Center, the Math Lab or the Writing Center. See University services below for contact information.
- Talk to an academic advisor in the Academic Advising Center or a faculty advisor in your major department about incomplete and withdrawal options. Be aware that these options have applicable deadlines and may have consequences for your financial aid.
- Do not wait — take action as soon as possible. Help is available.
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What options are there if I cannot complete a class?
- If you have attended the majority of the course and have earned a C or better in work completed, you may qualify for an incomplete grade. An incomplete grade is, however, up to the instructor, so please discuss the situation with the instructor right away. Providing documentation supporting your reasons for an incomplete grade request may be helpful. Be sure to verify what course work is needed and the date by which you are expected to complete the assignment(s) and test(s) in order to earn a final grade for the course.
- You may withdraw from individual classes using your my.emich account. This option, known as individual class withdrawal, is only available through the first two thirds of the term; after that, you can only withdraw if you meet the conditions for administrative withdrawals (consult the term Class Schedule book for exact dates). “First-term freshmen” must meet with an advisor in the Academic Advising Center before withdrawing from a course.
- Administrative withdrawals may be considered if you have significant extenuating circumstances (not grade-related) that developed subsequent to the end of the individual withdrawal period. Conditions and procedures are available through the Academic Advising Center, 301 Pierce Hall or www.emich.edu/aac/forms.htm.
- If you cannot complete any of your classes due to special circumstances, you may do a total term withdrawal until the last day before the final examination period (consult the term Class Schedule book for exact dates). Total term withdrawals do not affect future term enrollment. Total term withdrawals must be done through the Office of Records and Registration (they cannot be done using the my.emich account). Forms can be found in the Class Schedule book or through the Office of Records and Registration, 303 Pierce Hall, www.emich.edu/registrar/cancwthd.htm.
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What happens if I go on probation or am dismissed from the University?
All students start out in good academic standing when they are new to EMU. If you maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher you will remain in good academic standing. However, if your cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 after a term of enrollment you will be placed on academic probation. To view your academic standing through your my.emich account, follow steps No. 1 through No. 5 from the instructions given on pages 5 and 6 under “How do I register for classes?” and then click on “Registration Status”.
When you are on academic probation, the following rules apply:
- From the beginning of the first semester of probation, you will have three fall/winter terms of enrollment to raise your cumulative GPA to 2.0.
- If, as a result of any grade change, either during a semester or at the completion of a semester’s enrollment, your overall GPA reaches 2.0, you will be returned to good academic standing. Repeating a failed class (or classes) is the quickest path back to good standing.
- If, after three successive fall/winter terms of probation, your overall GPA remains below 2.0, you will be subject to academic dismissal.
- If you are dismissed, you must remain away from EMU for a full calendar year — then you may apply for readmission.
- If dismissed a second time, you will normally not be allowed to return to EMU.
While on academic probation, you may meet with the assistant director for Academic Actions or any advisor in the Academic Advising Center. In addition, we suggest that you seek help in developing successful strategies for academic performance through the Holman Learning Center, the Counseling Services Center and the Career Services Center. You must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 to graduate from Eastern Michigan University.
For more information regarding academic probation and dismissal, visit the Academic Advising Center Web site, www.emich.edu/aac/actions.htm.
Note: your financial aid may also be in jeopardy of cancellation if “Satisfactory Academic Progress” (SAP) is not maintained. Eastern Michigan University’s SAP policy requires that students maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, and that they complete and pass a minimum of 75 percent of the courses attempted. If you have attempted 186 credit hours and have not yet graduated, you may no longer be eligible for federal financial aid. Financial Aid probation is very different from Academic Probation. For more information on SAP policy and financial aid probationary periods, visit the Financial Aid Office, 403 Pierce Hall — 487.0455 or www.emich.edu/finaid/geninfo/sap.htm.
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What other University services are there to help me with my education?
Access Services — 203 King Hall, 734.487.2470
www.emich.edu/access_services/
Provides special services for students with cognitive and/or physical needs.
Commuter Central — McKenny Union, 734.487.0846
Provides assistance and resources for commuter students.
The Holman Learning Center — G-04 Halle Library, 734.487.2133
www.tlc.emich.edu
Provides free peer tutoring, supplemental instruction, and skill building workshops.
Visit the learning center's Web site for more information.
Math Lab — 220 Pray-Harrold, 734.487.0983
www.math.emich.edu/facilities.html
One-on-one tutoring for beginning algebra through upper-level courses.
Office of International Students — 229 King Hall, 734.487.3116
www.emich.edu/ois/
Provides assistance with areas related to the transition of living in a new country and with SEVIS regulations.
Ombudsman — 112 Welch Hall, 734.487.0074
www.emich.edu/ombuds/
Provides assistance to students, faculty and staff to identify and evaluate available options for resolving and managing conflicts, provides mediation support and makes referrals to other appropriate University and community resources.
REACT (Resources for Equity and Action for Consumers and Tenants)—
McKenny Union Lower Level, Student Organization Center, 734.487.1472
www.emich.edu/studentgov/react/
Aids students by locating off-campus housing, obtaining referrals, and providing assistance with legal matters.
Residence Education Program — Wise Room, Dining Commons One, 734.487.0267
www.emich.edu/housing/resed.php?init=resources
- Evening study sessions.
- Coordinates mid-term and final exam review sessions.
Student Success Office — 135 Putnam Hall, 734.487.0267
www.emich.edu/housing/resed.php?init=resources# (Click "Student Success tab".)
Resource center to help freshmen with the transition to college life.
The Writing Center (TWC) — 209 Pray-Harrold, 734.487.0694
www.emich.edu/public/english/writing-center/index.html
Consultants provide free assistance in writing and editing papers.
University Health Services (UHS) — Snow Health Center, 734.487.1122
www.emich.edu/uhs/
Provides individual counseling services as well as medical care through its General Medical Clinic, Women’s Health Clinic, lab and x-ray facilities, and UHS Pharmacy.
University Honors College — Wise Hall, 734.487.0345
www.emich.edu/honors/
- The Honors College at Eastern Michigan University seeks to attract, retain and recognize academically gifted and motivated students.
- Students may apply after completing at least one semester (15 credit hours) at EMU and earning a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.3.
- Visit University Honors College's Web site for more information.
Veterans Service Office — 18 Roosevelt, 734.487.1020
www.emich.edu/compliance/veterans/index.html
Provides services to military personnel.
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