Major Exploration

Official grades are set to post on May 16th by noon. There are many things that are attached to your official grades like academic standing, financial aid status, probation status and, if you’re in the University College, transitioning into a major.

First thing’s first, check your grades. Make sure they are the correct grades…accidents happen. If you notice any discrepencies contact your professor for assistance immediately.

If you are on probation, then you will want to look at several things. You should verify your semester GPA and your cumulative GPA. Review information about Academic Standing online and check out the FAQs, too. Did you meet requirements for continuance? Is dismissal a real possibility? If you have questions, meet with your advisor for information.

Other things to consider:

• Are you on track for your major?
• Did you meet the transition criteria (GPA, math progress, credit hours)?
• Did you complete the necessary prerequisites for future courses?
• Have you been advised for the upcoming semester?

If you have over 30 credits and a 2.5 GPA, then chances are that you’re able to transition to your major. You will recieve an email with contact information for the advisor in your intended area of study. Check your UTA email, and set up an appointment with your new advisor, if applicable.

If you’re still working on a decision for a major, then plan on attending a Major Exploration Seminar on May 21st or during the summer or adding the Major Exploration class in the fall. Contact exploringmajors@uta.edu for more information.

Every college and university offers a wide range of subjects for majors, minors, certifications, etc. When faced with so much information, it’s easy to see why so many students start as undeclared or change majors 2-3 times before graduation. A key to successfully choosing a major is to not let “the decision” sit on the back burner for too long. Sure, it’s tempting to busy yourself with student organizations, study groups or part-time jobs to brush off the inevitable, but it’s important to be proactive. Your counselors and advisors understand that your major exploration process depends on the type of person that you are. Not everyone is comfortable meeting with a bunch of advisors in-person, making phone calls or setting up informational interviews. Luckily, learning about majors is only a click away, and the UT Arlington website offers at least four routes to learn more about majors offered:

• Major Exploration Website
• Admissions
• Majors
• Catalog

Personally, I like the UTA Catalog. I often recommend looking at the course descriptions for advanced 3000-4000 level classes in areas of interest. This can give you an idea of what will be expected of you in the future. If you look over the upper level classes and nothing jumps out at you, then it could be a giant red flag.  Look for areas of study that will challenge you in a constructive way, but also offer opportunities to enrich your college experience.  Be true to your personality, interests, skills and values and you will find a major that works for you.  

Maybe you already know what kind of career you want in the future, but are finding it difficult to narrow down an academic path. The following links give some great information about the type of education that is required for a variety of jobs and career paths.

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Career One Stop

Regardless, of where you are on your major exploration journey, the University Advising Center is here to help with several major exploration options:

• UNIV 1131: Major Exploration
• Major Exploration Seminars
• Major Exploration on Blackboard
• Meet with an Advisor

If you have any questions, feel free to email an advisor at exploringmajors@uta.edu.

Does this sound familiar?

All of the mid-terms are over, the last day to drop has passed, finals are days away and you haven’t said a word to your professors and you have no idea if you’re going to pass your classes.

Scary, huh?

Fear is natural. We fear what we do not understand…what is unknown to us. With that said, if you have acted like the student in the scenario above, then most advisors are going to assume that you haven’t read the UTA catalog and probably know little to nothing about academic standing and regulations. This doesn’t make you a bad student. I repeat, this does not make you a bad student. However, it does make you less informed about the academic regulations that could determine your immediate future and possibly affect your livelihood. Not knowing the consequences can be much scarier than not knowing your grades.

It is very true that knowledge is power. When you’re in danger of failing it’s best to learn about the consequences and prepare for the outcome. Lessen the fear and anxiety for yourself.

Probation can happen to anyone for a multitude of reasons. Life happens, but anyone below a 2.0 cumulative GPA is placed on academic probation. What is important to understand is that if handled appropriately, a GPA can be repaired and progress can be made. Here are the basics to GPA repair.

First, you have to know how to calculate your GPA (Grade Point Average). If you know how to divide, then you’ll be a master of GPA calculation. It’s simple: Total Grade Points/Total Credit Hours=GPA. Each credit hour is worth up to 4 grade points (A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1 and F=0).

Example: If you have an A in SPAN 1441 and C in MATH 1302, then you have 16 grade points for SPAN 1441 and 6 points for MATH 1302 for a total of 22 Grade Points and 7 Credit hours. 22 Grade Points/7 Credit Hours = 3.142 GPA

Next, you have to figure out your GPD (Grade Point Deficiency). Please note that this only applies to students on probation (less than a 2.0 GPA) because the formula relates to how many points you need to make at least a 2.0 GPA to be removed from probation. If you can multiply and subtract, then you’ll be a master of GPD calculation. The Formula: (2.0 x Total Credit Hours) – Total Grade Points = GPD.

Example: If you have an D in SPAN 1441 and C in MATH 1302, then you have 4 grade points for SPAN 1441 and 6 points for MATH 1302 for a total of 10 Grade Points and 7 Credit hours. The GPA will fall below 2.0: 10 Grade Points/7 Credit Hours = 1.428 GPA. Apply the formula: (2.0 x 7) – 10= -4 GPD

It does take more effort to remove GPD points (A=6, B=3, C=0, D=-3, F=-6). The example above shows a GPD of -4, so it would take at least 1A or 2 Bs to remove the GPD points.

Still confused? It can be tricky if you have a lot of credit hours. Click here for a GPA/GPD Calculation Worksheet

The University also has a Grade Exclusion policy in place to help you recover from a low GPA. Grade Exclusion: Remove up to 3 grades (D or F) from your GPA. There are exceptions and regulations for grade exclusion, so discuss the option with an advisor before making assumptions.

So, now you know the basics. If you have questions, remember that your advisor is a Master of GPA Repair and can help you set up a plan of attack to wipe out a low GPA and conquer your academic goals.

Have you heard about  University Studies? It’s one of the newest degree options offered at UT Arlington, and there has been a lot of confusion about what a University Studies is exactly. University Studies is housed in the University College in Ransom Hall and offers a Bachelor of Science degree option. The degree plan is not a traditional degree plan, but it does has some similarities to the Interdisciplinary Studies degrees offered at UTA.

The main similarities include:

• Both allow students to develop individualized degree plans.
• Both allow flexibility in course selection to meet degree requirements.
• Both provide a degree option for students not well-served by a traditional major for whatever reason.
• Both allow students to make use of transfer hours and hours already earned at UT Arlington.
• Both require students to complete an application.

Sounds simply enough, right? Well, there are some key distinctions between the two departments and the experience that the programs offer to students. Distinctions include program entrance requirements, GPA requirements, degree focus and use of credit among others. Please refer to the Distinctions between INTS and University Studies guide for specifics.

Do you think you might be a good candidate for University Studies or Interdisciplinary Studies?

• A typical University Studies candidate would have over 60 credit hours, a variety of credit (both UTA and transfer),  at least a 2.0 GPA, and is ready to graduate. They would choose three areas of content from the approved list: Arts, Business, Community Studies, Engineering, Health and Wellness, Humanities, Media, Physical Sciences and Social Sciences.
• The ideal Interdisciplinary Studies student is usually a sophomore/junior with an ideal job or career in mind that is not offered as a traditional major at UTA. These students can opt of a BA or BS in Interdisciplinary Studies degree and combine 2-4 areas of study to gain certain knowledge and skills. Students would work with their advisor to develop content areas that are relevant to their goals, take 3 Interdisciplinary core classes and have an opportunity for internship or service learning experience.

Both degrees offer flexibility and independence, but for some students the big question is “What kind of job can I get with this degree?”  Since both degrees require students to choose their own academic adventure, the answer can only be found in the content areas that are selected and the research performed by the student while pursuing the degree. University Studies offers a broad-based education that can prepare you for a variety of career paths, and a Interdisciplinary Studies degree can be as specific as you want to make it. The key element is you, the student.

With that said, do either of these degree options seem interesting to you? If your answer is yes, follow the links below for more information.

To find out more about University Studies, click here.

To find out more about Interdisciplinary Studies, click here.

In case you haven’t heard, the Texas Legislature has passed a House Bill requiring students to declare a major by 45 credit hours. House Bill 3025 is currently in effect. If you are one of the hundreds of students on the 45 hour list, then there may be a letter of notification sitting in your UTA email inbox right now. Don’t Panic. Being Undeclared is not as scary as it may seem. In fact, as an Undeclared Student, you have an abundance of campus offices just waiting to get their hands on you…to help you. You can opt for one of several Major Exploration methods, visit the Career Center, talk to a Counselor or  sign up with Student Support Services amongst many other options.

Here are some things to think about when choosing a major:

• The Princeton Review suggests that you “Forget High School” because subjects and teaching methods are different in College.
• Would you prefer to pursue a major that has a specific career path like Nursing or Engineering or would you prefer to spend your college years learning about a subject that you’re passionate about like Sociology, Criminal Justice or Theatre?
• Think of all the “core classes” that you have completed so far and what classes you enjoyed or are looking forward to taking.
• Meeting with an Advisor can help the decision- making process, too. Especially, if you are the type of person that needs to “talk things out.”

Remember that making decisions about your life can be difficult, but not impossible. Whether you think so or not, you have plenty of people at UT Arlington supporting your efforts and ready to give you a helping hand, if you need it. Never forget that the sweetest victories are hard fought, so make your move!

Major Exploration Seminars are offered throughout the semester. Sign up online.

Once the semester begins, it seems like every day is a busy day on campus. There is so much to do and see, and your life may seem completely planned out to the exact minute. This may not be the case if you have not made a decision on a major, yet. In fact, this may be a very chaotic time for you with more questions than answers swirling around in your head.

Juggling study time, homework, writing papers, extracurricular activities and that job you might have to sustain life can be a very daunting task. The result equates to you curled up in fetal position on your couch watching Jersey Shore instead of reading that chapter on the American Revolution. At this point, the last thing on your mind is researching a major. You’re not alone, but being so overwhelmed that you decide to do nothing can have a damaging effect on your academic career. Just one semester of apathy or laziness can crumble your GPA or set you back a semester or two.

If you have not selected a major, then you are going to have to get off the couch and tear your eyes away from the Snooki trainwreck.

“How can I find the motivation?” you ask.

As an advisor, my advice to you is to learn how to manage your stressors and find a reason in everything you do every day. Then, start using the referrals that your advisor gave you. This may mean trekking across campus to visit the Career Center or talk to another advisor in a different department. The ten minute walk could save you a semester or more worth of tuition and have you feeling more confident about choosing a major.

Keep in mind that advising time is drawing near. Panicked? Fear not. The University Advising Center in 105 Ransom Hall is here to help if you are undeclared and exploring majors, but you have to make the effort.

Attend a Major Exploration Seminar to learn more about majors at UTA and start pursuing your happiness.

University College invites all students to join “The Success Series”, a workshop series designed to improve academic performance and enhance important life skills. Each semester, various departments within University College will offer innovative, hands-on workshops on a variety of topics, such as time management, study skills, dealing with stress, learning styles, major exploration, and more.

Wednesday, Sept. 26th: Manage Your Time and the First Year at UT Arlington.
College success requires more than just blind luck. It requires a firm plan for balancing all of the new responsibilities and tasks that will fill
your life. With extra requirements for studying, going to class, working and other obligations, it can be very easy to find yourself out of balance, feeling tired and getting burned out. Instead, let us help you figure out how to create a plan to balance all of your obligations as you transition into your first year at UT Arlington.

For information on the Success Series and to view the calendar of upcoming workshops visit Success Series online.

The Freshman 4-Week Progress Reports are available online on your MyMav Student Center.

There are two things a student should do once you view your progress report:

• Schedule a time to meet with your instructor to discuss your progress and any
concerns you may have.

• Meet with your academic advisor who can help you get a clearer picture of your
academic situation. Your advisor can help you explore the various campus
resources available to assist you and can help to facilitate getting you connected
with them, if appropriate.

If you need help viewing your progress report you can find instructions here.

Starting this fall, the University Advising Center offers students the opportunity to chat with an advisor online. This convenient service is available for students with general questions like, “When is the last day to drop?”, “What campus resources are available to me?” or “When can I register for classes?”

Advisors are available during normal business hours only. Click Chat with an Advisor to start chatting now.

Please note that Advisors are not available to advise for classes or remove holds on your account via online chat. If you would like to make an appointment click here.

Today is Census. Also, known as the last day to drop without a W, but it’s important for other reasons, too.

Did you know that adds are not permitted after Census?

After late registration through the last date to drop, students must meet with an undergraduate academic advisor to drop a class or fully withdraw from classes. Students should contact the academic advising area of their major department for specific procedures and forms needed for withdrawing or dropping after the Census date. In some cases, the signature of the faculty teaching the course(s) will be required. The student’s academic advisor will process the drop or withdrawal transaction.

From the first official day of class through the last day to drop (October 31), the student cannot drop his or her last class. This must be done by the student’s undergraduate major advisor.

What does Census mean for you? Find out more information on the UTA website.