Faculty

Advising

As we change from 3-credit to 4-credit classes and implement the Engaged Citizenship Curriculum, we have promised students that we will be flexible so that the changes do not lead students to have to stay at Simpson longer than they otherwise would have.  Four courses is a full-time load, thus students should be discouraged from taking five courses.

Resources

Majors: Before and After
Minors: Before and After

Frequently Asked Questions about Registration are here

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if one of my advisees needs to take 5 courses in a semester?

First, look at what the student has already taken and determine whether substitutions could be made in Cornerstone Studies, in the major, or in the minor.  For example, has the student completed coursework that did not count as a CS1B, but that otherwise appears to meet the description of CS1B courses?  

If a substitution can be made for a Cornerstone, have the student complete the Substituting a Course for a Cornerstone Form . Make sure the student provides an academic rationale.  That is, encourage the student to explain what they have learned in another class that would allow that class to substitute for the required Cornerstone.  "I want to substitute X for Y because otherwise I can't graduate on time" is not an academic rationale.  Once completed and signed by you as the advisor, have the student take the form to CoryAnne Harrigan (Mary Berry 323) or Amy Doling (Carver 314) for her signature.  Once Cory or Amy has signed the form, the student should take the form to the Registrar's Office.

If a substitution can be made for a major or minor, have the student complete the  Substituting a Course for a Major or Minor Form . This form needs to be signed by the advisor, the department chair for the major or minor, and then taken to the Registrar's Office.

If substitutions aren't possible, consider requesting to waive a Cornerstone or a course for a major or minor.  Waivers can be requested using the same form as substitutions use.

If none of the options is possible, the student may submit a petition to waive the overload fee which can be found on the Registrar's page.

What should I do if an advisee needs to take a course for graduate school, but that course does not count towards the major?

 If you agree that the student should take that course, look into having that course substitute for something else in the major.  Remember, 4 courses is a full-time load.  Strongly discourage students from requesting to take 5 courses.

 

Last Updated: 11/18/11