"Good advising may be the single most underestimated characteristic of a successful college experience."
– R.J.Light
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Course Selection Strategies
Any or all of the following strategies can help you select your classes:
Leave as many "doors" open as possible the first year while you're undeclared. Be open to new experiences and ideas. Sample a variety of courses in General Education (GE). There may be an introductory GE course that will also count in a major or minor you're considering; think about taking it. All courses that satisfy GE requirements are identified with an asterisk* in the University Catalog.
Are you interested in a High Unit Major? Check the GE modification list to determine if the major you’re considering has modifications to GE. Depending upon your major, you may not be required to take courses from all areas of GE.
Enroll in a Course Linked Block of classes for your fall semester. It’s a simple way to enroll in three courses that fulfill GE and graduation requirements (i.e. government and cultural diversity).
The Course Link program is designed to create a smooth entry into university life for first-year students.
Course Link is a block of three linked courses that allows you to share three of your first semester’s classes with 24 other students for a collaborative learning and studying experience. Several Course Links are designed for specific majors: Agriculture, Pre-Business, Liberal Studies, and Pre-Nursing. However, most Course Links are appropriate for all majors.
The goals of the Course Link program are:
- To enhance your first-year academic life through integrated academic and social activities;
- To provide increased opportunities for collaborative learning and studying with other Course Link students;
- To provide a better sense of community and belonging; and
- To increase your opportunities to share and discuss ideas
Choose a variety of courses by picking one course from each of the five areas of General Education:
Select courses you must complete in order to meet specific University Graduation Requirements:
- POLS 155, American Government: National, State and Local;
- HIST 130, United States History;
- An Ethnic Studies course (consider choosing one that also counts toward GE);
- A Non-Western Studies course (consider choosing one that also counts toward GE);
Earn elective units for graduation by enrolling in skill and special interest units:
- Honors Courses;
- UNIV 101, Introduction to University Life;
- Foreign Language Study;
- Community Action Volunteers in Education (C.A.V.E.) course;
- Physical Education Courses;
- Art, Music and Drama Performance Classes;
- Ask an adviser to help you select other classes that may interest you!
Explore!
Try signing up for an introductory GE course in a subject that sounds interesting to you. First, read the course description. Remember, you can always drop the course during the first two weeks of the semester if you don't like it, so there's no risk in trying. Many students discover their major or minor by using this strategy.