Here are some pointers to keep in mind when being advised and selecting the course(s) that are the right combination for you.
Get advice on your course choices. If you are an SSS student, you should come to meet with your academic counselor in the Speech Building, suite 105, and discuss your course selection. This is especially important if you are on academic probation or you need to raise your cumulative GPA.
Be advised early! Advisors are very busy the week before registration and are often booked solid. Many advisors recommend calling at least two to three weeks prior to your registration date in order to be advised prior to your registration date.
Know your registration date. This will be based on the number of credit hours you have earned, and will be posted on the Office of Records and Registration website near the early to middle part of the semester.
In addition to your advisor, the UALR Undergraduate Catalog is one of your best resources for choosing courses. It lists the “Core Courses” that you need to complete your degree, as well as the courses you need for your specific major.
Your core and major requirements come first. Plan your schedule around these courses first. Choose electives if there is room in your schedule after you have selected your required courses.
Course numbers describe which year the department expects you to take a course. If a course starts with a 1 or 2, you can take it during your freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior years. However, if a course starts with a 3 or 4 (ex: 3311 or 4210), it is suggested, and sometimes required, that you have junior or senior status in order to register for the course.
Before your registration date arrives, look at the class schedule on BOSS or using the UALR Class Search to plan which courses you would like to take and when they are offered. To save time and effort on the day of your registration, make note of the course registration number (CRN) for each class you would like, and when registration day comes, enter these CRNs into the boxes on the add/drop page in BOSS.
Carefully read the course description and syllabus for all courses you plan to take. Usually, the syllabus can be found on the professors’ website as they become available.
Pay attention to any prerequisite listed in the course description. Do not register for any course(s) for which you have not taken the proper prerequisites. Some courses/professors recommend, but do not require, that you take a particular course prior to enrolling in another course, for these, it is in your best interest to inquire directly with the professor to discuss your likelihood of success in that particular course.
The first week of class does not represent the full intensity of a college course. Seek academic advice/counseling and support if you think you will need help with your course work. Even if you think you will pass, seek tutoring to perform better in your courses – always strive for your best.
