New Transfer Student Guide: FAQ

Do I need my advising access code to use ISIS?

If you attend Summer Orientation, you will enroll in classes at that time. You will not need an advising access code. If you do not attend Summer Orientation, you may enroll in classes through ISIS on July 31 and will not need an advising access code. However, when it is time to enroll in classes for the spring 2009 semester (and subsequent semesters), you will need to see your advisor to obtain the advising access code. If you are a second-year transfer student, we will assign you an advisor; if you enter as a third-year transfer student we expect you to declare a major upon arrival, at which point you will be assigned an advisor in your major.

 

What if I can’t get some of the courses I really want?

During the first semester, you may not get your first choice of classes; therefore, it is important to have alternate selections in mind. If you can’t get into a course during Summer Orientation because it's full, try adding the course though ISIS (Integrated Student Information System — the University’s online enrollment system) when it reopens on July 31. Returning students frequently change their schedules, and departments occasionally create new courses or sections, near the start of the semester. Continue to check ISIS and the online Course Offering Directory (COD). And add yourself to electronic wait-lists if they are available. You may add and/or drop courses until the deadlines via ISIS. After your first semester, your access to course enrollment is based on the number of U.Va. credits you have completed (including transfer and advanced placement credits). So for spring course selection, and every term thereafter, you will have much higher priority access to ISIS and thus a better chance to get into the courses you most desire. Be assured, however, that we have never had a case where a student failed to graduate in a timely fashion because of the inablilty to get needed courses.

 

May I enroll in UVa Summer Session this year?

Yes. We encourage recently accepted transfer students to enroll in our summer session. Any credits earned during the summer will count toward your degree, including area, competency, and major requirements. You may also declare a major during the summer. And summer term does not count toward the number of full-time semesters you've been allotted. Students have not only made significant academic progress this way, but they also find that it is an excellent way to orient themselves to University life. Finally, enrolling in summer session will not interfere with meeting a faculty advisor and selecting fall courses during summer orientation. We hope that you will seriously consider summer enrollment. Click hereto learn more about our summer session.

 

I’m a third-year transfer student and have not been assigned an advisor—why?

If you are entering U.Va. as a third-year transfer student, we expect you will declare a major during Summer OR Fall Orientation. At that time, you will be assigned an advisor in your major. Please note that marking an intended major on your admission application does not constitute delaring a major. Information on College majors may be found at the individual department web sites.

When is the first academic meeting? When do I meet my Dean?

If you attend Summer Orientation, you will have the opportunity to meet Dean Papovich.  Also during Fall Orientation, on Sunday, August 24, Mr. Papovich will meet in the Newcomb Hall Ballroom with all new College transfer students. Don't forget to attend this important meeting; it will make your transition to the University of Virginia much smoother. Check the complete Fall Orientation program for details and changes in time or location; this program will be available when you arrive for Fall Orientation on Saturday, August 23.

If I can’t complete all my course work in my allotted semesters, can I stay for an additional full-time semester?

No. Students entering as second-year transfers must complete their degree in six semesters, students entering as fourth-semester transfers must finish in five semesters, and students entering as third-year transfers must finish in four semesters. Summer Session, however, does not count toward your allotted full-time semesters. In the next few weeks, you will receive an advising sheet that shows the number of full-time semesters you have been allotted. Permission to enroll for an additional full-time semester is not automatic. Therefore, you should not assume that you will have more than the usual number of full-time allotted semesters. If you need additional time to complete your degree, you may do so through Summer Session or through the School of Continuing and Professional Studies. (You may count 16 credits of Continuing Education courses toward your degree.) If you feel you have mitigating circumstances, contact Dean Papovich during the fall.

Should I worry if I miss a College deadline?

Yes! The College takes its deadlines very seriously; they have all passed review by the Faculty. If you miss the deadline for dropping a course for any reason, you must withdraw. If you miss the deadline for withdrawing from a course that you attended all semester, you must remain in the course and will receive a grade. If you fail to verify your enrollments by the drop deadline and find yourself still enrolled in a course you never attended after the deadline for withdrawing, you must submit a Late Schedule Correction Form (available from the receptionists in Garrett Hall). If you fail to add a course to your enrollments that you attended all semester, you will be added to the class but will lose your course selection priority in the subsequent semester. Changes in the grading option (to or from CR/NC and to or from audit) MUST be selected by the ADD deadline. There are no exceptions. We also strictly observe the deadline to request a change in your exam schedule (allowed when you have 3 exams in a two-day period without an intervening day), and the deadline to file for an extension of time.

Where do I go for information about Dining Services or Housing?

For Housing questions, contact Housing; for questions about meal plans contact Dining Services; for questions about assistance with paying for school, call Financial Aid.

I want to be a teacher. How should I prepare for that profession?

The University of Virginia has a well-established and innovative Teacher Education Program, which provides for a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree at the end of five years. Note the time and place in your Fall Orientation schedule of the meeting for students interested in Teacher Education. Because students admitted to the program take several education courses as part of the joint degree program, avoid taking non-College electives in your second year unless advised to do so. Rising third-year students are generally not eligible to transfer to the Curry Teacher Education program unless invited to do so at the time of admission. Students considering admission to, and especially those accepted into, the BA/MT program must select their non-College electives very carefully, keeping in mind that they MUST present no fewer than 102 College or College-equivalent hours, among the 120 earned, to qualify for the B.A.

What is the best way to communicate with professors and administrators?

Although e-mail and web sites have taken over a good portion of all our lives, there is much to be said about personal meetings. Use e-mail to supplement those meetings or when you have a quick question but in general please meet with us in person. All faculty have office hours, as do all Association Deans. You should feel comfortable contacting any of us to introduce yourself or to ask questions. To schedule a meeting with Mr. Papovich call 924-3353

What computers and related services will be available for my use at the University?

Information Technology and Communication (ITC) supports the University’s instructional and research activities. ITC maintains systems ranging in size from a mainframe Enterprise Server to lab-based personal computers. ITC’s public computer labs are located around the Grounds in libraries, classroom buildings, and residence halls. These facilities provide you with access to a wide range of University-licensed software, from word processing to spreadsheet programs to advanced data analysis packages. Machines in the labs include Macs, IBM-PC compatible microcomputers, and various scanners and printers. To learn more about ITC’s public labs and what hardware and software visit their web page.

I am considering buying my own computer. What will be compatible with University computers?

Consider a balance of functionality, speed, and price as you choose a computer. Assess the recommendations of the instructional program you have chosen, the type of work you will be doing, the software you will need, how portable you would like your computer to be, your budget, and how often you will use your computer. ITC works with schools and departments to prepare recommendations for computer configurations that will best meet the needs of students in their programs. Cavalier Computers, a division of the U.Va. Bookstore offers installation and on-site servicing.

 

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