Undergraduate Advising Center

What should I do if I have transfer credit (credit from another institution)?

If you have taken any college-level courses (such as dual enrollment through your high school), official transcripts from each institution where you earned credit must be sent from those institutions to the KU Office of Admissions and Scholarships for evaluation.

Generally, academic courses transfer from any regionally-accredited college or university. The School to which you have been admitted will determine if transfer courses fulfill degree requirements. Remedial, vocational and technical courses will not transfer.

Have my transcripts been received?

If you have questions concerning whether KU has received transcripts and/or test scores, use the following link: www.admissions.ku.edu/status.

What if KU has not received my transcript by my orientation date?

When you come to New Student Orientation, bring a copy of your grade report, transcript, and/or AP and/or IB test scores for all completed and current course work so your academic advisor can help you select appropriate courses. You will have an opportunity to submit transcripts after you check in at New Student Orientation. Do not open official sealed transcripts.

What if I have AP and/or IB scores?

If you have taken Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exams through high school programs, you may be eligible to earn credit at KU. The University accepts AP and IB exam scores in several areas. Credit, not grades, will be assigned. You must have your official scores mailed from AP and/or IB to the KU Office of Admissions and Scholarships.

In some cases, your score may exempt you from a course requirement. Higher scores, depending on the subject and the score, may give you credit hours toward your degree. Detailed information on credit and exemptions for AP and IB may be found at www.admissions.ku.edu/credit/earned.shtml.

To have your AP scores sent to KU, contact the Advanced Placement Program at (609) 771-7300 and give them the KU code: 006871. More information from Advanced Placement is available at their website: www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html.

To have your IB scores sent to KU, contact the International Baccalaureate Program at (212) 696-4464. More information from International Baccalaureate is available at their website: www.ibo.org.

If KU has not received your scores by the time you attend New Student Orientation, you will enroll in classes as if you were not receiving advanced placement or credit. Once your scores are received by KU, you will have the opportunity to work with an academic advisor to make course schedule changes.

How do I know if courses I have taken will transfer to KU?

The Office of Admissions and Scholarships provides a credit transfer and earned credit website that will give you a good indication as to how your courses will transfer: www.admissions.ku.edu/credit/earned.shtml.

In which English class should I enroll?

During your first two semesters at KU, it is University policy that you complete the English composition requirement, which includes ENGL 101 and 102. You may take the honors section, ENGL 105, which replaces 101 and 102, if you qualify to do so. Successful completion of the Freshman/Sophomore English Requirement builds your writing competency which is necessary for success in upper-level college courses.

You may be exempt from ENGL 101 with certain ACT English or SAT verbal scores.

• An English ACT score of 31-33 or an SAT verbal score of 600-640 places you in ENGL 102.
• An English ACT score of 34-36 or an SAT verbal score of 650+ places you in ENGL 105.

If you were admitted to the University Honors Program:

• An English ACT score of 31+ or an SAT verbal score of 600+, places you in ENGL 105.
• An English ACT score of 27-30 or an SAT verbal score of 500 to 590 places you in ENGL 102 and you are eligible to take the English Department’s Honors Placement Examination for possible admission to ENGL 105.
• An English ACT score of 26 or lower or an SAT verbal score below 500 places you in ENGL 101.

In which math course should I enroll?

If you have not met the math requirements for your degree, it is University policy that you enroll in math during your first semester at KU. This is to ensure that you immediately build on the mathematics skills you acquired most recently and complete math courses that are prerequisites for many other courses.

Helpful Hint: Some programs at KU require multiple math classes beyond MATH 101 while others may not. It is important that you know what math classes are required for your major interests.

Math placement is based on your math ACT/SAT scores. Students should enroll in the highest level math course for which they are qualified based on the following table:

You must have the minimum ACT/SAT score to enroll in specific math courses as indicated in the math placement table unless:

1. You have already received credit for the prerequisite for a course through advanced placement or transfer credit
   OR
2. You have taken KU’s math placement test to determine your initial placement in math courses. The test is offered on campus in Snow Hall. For test dates and registration information, visit the Mathematics Department website.

Reminder: English and/or math courses taken for college credit while still in high school or credit received through AP/IB will affect your placement in first semester courses at KU. Please be certain you have had your transcripts and/or scores sent to the Office of Admission and Scholarships so that they may be processed before your orientation session.

How does Foreign Language Placement (Placement Test) work?

The Bachelor of Arts and some Bachelor of Science degree programs in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences require proficiency in a foreign language. This is true of some of the professional schools as well. Students who have taken a foreign language in high school or at another college or university may continue the study of that language or start a new language. For more information on the wide variety of languages offered and to learn more about the Foreign Language Placement Exam, see the Foreign Languages at KU webpage.

What if I want to change my major?

You will have an opportunity to change your major at New Student Orientation check-in on Day One and from 9:30-11:00 a.m. on Day Two.

How do I get professional school and/or major information?

The best place to start is at the website for the school or college or major department in which you are interested.
Schools: www.advising.ku.edu/choosemajor/majors.shtml
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Departments and Academic Programs: http://www.clas.ku.edu/departments.

I have a disability that may impact my scheduling. With whom should I talk?

Disability Resources is housed in the Academic Achievement and Access Center (AAAC). Contacts can be found at http://www.achievement.ku.edu/disability. Additionally, there will be an early bird session during New Student Orientation check-in that focuses on disability resources at KU.

What expectations should I have going into New Student Orientation?

Remember that you are new to the college experience. New Student Orientation is your first opportunity to meet with KU administrators, staff and students, both current and new. Come ready to listen and willing to learn.

What decisions should I expect to make during New Student Orientation?

You will have the opportunity to choose or change your major and select relevant courses in which you will enroll during your first semester at KU. If you have not yet chosen a major, you will be able to choose and enroll in courses that will work toward a wide variety of majors. Having thought about these topics before you come to New Student Orientation will be helpful to you. Remember to be open to new and different courses and/or majors you may have not heard of before coming to New Student Orientation. Also remember to carefully consider the advice you receive at orientation from advisors and other KU staff.

You will meet with your academic advisor in a small group, a method that is unique to New Student Orientation. You will have a chance to work with your academic advisor one-on-one; however, you will be in a room with other new students. Students are placed with academic advisors based on the major interest code we have on record. If majors change before or during your orientation session, we make every effort to place you with an appropriate academic advisor.

Who will be helping me during advising?

There will always be an academic advisor present, one who is trained in the area in which you are interested. These advisors are there to help you. Throughout New Student Orientation, you will also have the opportunity to speak with HAWK Link Guides, Peer Advisors and Orientation Assistants, all of whom are current KU students, to give you additional assistance.

How else will I receive academic help?

During your session, you will:

• Attend a student-to-student session with your Orientation Assistant (OA) and a Peer Advisor (PA) who will introduce you to academic material, college concepts and terms, and explain what it is like to work with an academic advisor.
• Attend an Academic Information Meeting (AIM) where representatives from your academic division will review requirements and answer questions.
• Meet with your academic advisor to discuss and choose the courses in which you will enroll for the upcoming semester.
• Attend a session in which you will learn how to use the online enrollment system, called Enroll & Pay.
• Complete online enrollment with the assistance of your academic advisor and other KU staff.

Students will attend all sessions, except the Academic Information Meeting (AIM), on their own. Parents and guests are welcome to attend only the AIM.

What materials will I use to help me during New Student Orientation?

When you check-in at your orientation session, you will receive:

• A New Student Orientation Guide
• An Undergraduate Catalog
• A copy of your Academic Requirements Tracking System (ARTS) form
• A Student Handbook & Planner

Information about how to use these various resources will be provided to you throughout New Student Orientation.

What will my course schedule for my first semester look like?

Due to university policy, students who have not completed the requisite English and math courses are required to take them upon initial enrollment. In addition, you will have the opportunity to take introductory courses to majors in which you have interest as well as general education courses that will fulfill graduation requirements. All of these terms will be explained during New Student Orientation.

What if my major changes from what I originally indicated?

You will have the opportunity to change your major after check-in on Day One of New Student Orientation. This will ensure that you are placed with an appropriate academic advisor during advising and enrollment.

What if I have not decided on my major or have no idea about what I want my major to be?

It is fine to not have decided a major at the time of your session. Many students come to college unsure of their major and career goals. In fact, most students who have chosen a major by the time of their orientation session will change their major during their time at KU. At New Student Orientation, you will be able to work with your academic advisor to build a schedule that will keep you on track for graduation, fulfill general education requirements, and help you explore your interests.

When and how do I enroll?

Enrollment takes place on Day Two of New Student Orientation. To be eligible to enroll, you must have attended all other sessions. After discussing options with your academic advisor, you will enroll in a computer lab in Eaton Hall. There will be Academic Advisors, Orientation Assistants, Peer Advisors and Hawk Link Guides available to help you throughout enrollment.

In how many hours should I enroll?

Most new students are more successful if they take 14 to 17 hours during their first semester. This usually means four to five classes. This will also keep you on track to graduate in four years.

How will I log-in to the computer so I can enroll?

When registering for New Student Orientation, you created an online ID and password. You will use this same ID and password to log into our enrollment system (which is called Enroll & Pay). Be sure to bring this with you to enrollment.

What if the courses in which I want to enroll are closed and/or full?

You are guaranteed a full-time schedule of courses which will move you toward graduating in four years, including introductory English and math courses if you have not yet fulfilled those requirements. When enrolling, flexibility in scheduling and a willingness to try new classes is essential. It is important to be open to new experiences and to taking classes at various times throughout the day and week.

Will my parents and guests be there to help me choose courses during advising and enrollment?

Parents and guests should attend the Advising Information Meeting (AIM) with their students on Day Two. After the AIM, students (only) and advisors will meet for small group advising. Parents and students will have opportunity to discuss the results of this advising with each other (over lunch) before the students build their schedules and enroll in courses. Students will enroll with advisor assistance (without parents and guests present) in the afternoon on Day Two. After students have enrolled, parents and guests will have the opportunity to speak with an academic advisor. Please ask all questions and communicate all concerns you may have before leaving campus.

What expectations should I have for myself at New Student Orientation?

Come engaged, ready to learn, and willing to ask questions. This is your first introduction to the university as a KU student, so it is not expected that you know everything right away. However, it is important that you ask questions as they come to mind. We have the staff in place to support you as you make important decisions. Be patient, communicate with us, and the staff working at New Student Orientation will be able to help you become more comfortable at KU.

What expectations do others have of me at New Student Orientation?

You are required to attend all of the New Student Orientation programs in order to enroll, so we expect your attendance and attention at all sessions. We hope that you will come to New Student Orientation ready to ask questions, ready to learn, ready to meet new people, and ready to listen. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. When you are at sessions, please remember to be courteous to the presenters and other attendees by turning off your cell phone and paying attention to the information being given to you.

Helpful Hint: You will be receiving a lot of important and detailed information throughout New Student Orientation. It can be very helpful to take notes! You will be provided handouts and a writing utensil when you check-in.

What if I want to enroll in different courses/add/drop/swap courses after New Student Orientation?

You will retain access to the enrollment system, Enroll & Pay, 24 hours after the start of Day Two of New Student Orientation. Within that time frame, you will be able to log in and make changes to your schedule.

After 24 hours passes from the start of Day Two of New Student Orientation, you will not be able to access the enrollment system again until August 3.

If you feel that you are enrolled in an inappropriate course based on placement or previously completed college course work, please contact the Undergraduate Advising Center. An academic advisor will review your schedule and assist with appropriate changes.

For all other enrollment changes, you will need to wait until August 3 when the enrollment system opens to all new and continuing students.

As a new student, it is always best to consult with an academic advisor before making any changes to your enrollment. You may contact an academic advisor at the Undergraduate Advising Center with any questions or concerns about enrollment at (785) 864-2834 or advising@ku.edu.

What if I want to change my major or my schedule after I come to campus?

When you arrive on campus in August, you will have the opportunity to make changes to your courses using the Enroll & Pay system online. Before you make any changes to your schedule, it is best to consult with your academic advisor to make sure the courses in which you enroll will meet the requirements toward timely completion of your degree. You may contact an academic advisor at the Undergraduate Advising Center with any questions or concerns about enrollment at (785) 864-2834 or advising@ku.edu.

When will I see my academic advisor again?

You are welcome to meet with an academic advisor at any time following New Student Orientation. To make an appointment to see an academic advisor, contact the Undergraduate Advising Center at (785) 864-0176.

Helpful Hint: It is a good idea to meet with an academic advisor in late August or early September. At that time, you will be able to check in with an academic advisor, get to know him or her, and get any help that you need. It is always best to take care of any concerns early in the semester. If you have any questions at any time, contact an academic advisor.

Academic advisors can serve you in many ways. While you will be required to meet with an academic advisor prior to enrolling for the next semester, you can meet with your academic advisor whenever and as often as you want. Your academic advisor can serve as a resource for information regarding various issues, ranging from course difficulty to building a four-year plan to getting involved on campus to any other area related to your KU experience. If you have a question and are not sure who to ask, start with your academic advisor and he or she will point you in the right direction.

• If you were admitted into any of the following:
  • School of Architecture and Urban Planning,
  • School of Engineering,
  • School of Music,
  • School of the Arts,
  • The University Honors Program
  you will be advised by that school or program.
• If you are planning on majoring in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), you will be advised by academic advisors who work in the Undergraduate Advising Center (UAC) until you complete a formal major declaration. After you have formally declared your major, you will be advised by advisors in your major’s department.
• If you have been admitted to CLAS but intend to pursue degrees in any of the following schools:
  • School of Allied Health,
  • School of Business,
  • School of Education,
  • School of Journalism and Mass Communications,
  • School of Nursing,
  • School of Pharmacy, or
  • School of Social Welfare
  you are considered to be a pre-professional student and will be advised by the UAC until you are officially admitted into the professional school.

If you are assigned to the UAC for advising, you will be notified of your advisor assignment by mid-August. The notification will provide the name and contact information of your academic advisor.

How do I set up an advising appointment?

If you have been assigned to an advisor in the Undergraduate Advising Center, call (785) 864-0176 to make an appointment with your academic advisor. The UAC is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

If you have formally declared your major, contact the major department to schedule an appointment.

If you have been admitted to a professional school, contact that school to set up an appointment.

Please Note: If you are a new student, you need to attend New Student Orientation before you can enroll. You cannot meet with an academic advisor in order to enroll prior to attending an orientation session.