Advising > Advising FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
How many courses/credits will I take my first semester?
The answer to this question will depend on what your major is and the requirements for that major. Most first-year students take 15-16 credits. Depending on the number of credits per course this will be 4 or 5 classes. The maximum load any student may carry is 18 credits per semester.
Will I have enough courses?
For most courses each credit represents 1 hour of in class time per week. A 3 credit course would meet for 3 hours every week. Most science courses meet 4 hours per week and a 1 credit lab will meet either 2 or 3 hours. With this considered, a student with 15 credits will have in class or lab time anywhere from 15 to 21 hours per week. There is vastly more out of class work required from a college student since they are expected to work more independently than a high school student. Study demands may be as high as three hours required outside of class for each hour spent in class.
What am I required to take?
All first-year students will take a First Year Foundation (FYF) course. Many students will begin courses toward an intended major or area of interest. About half of the incoming class will enroll in ENG 101. For most students the remaining courses will contribute to the general education component of the curriculum, which provides a common foundation in the arts and sciences for all students. Prior to graduation, all students must complete the general education courses, a major, and elective courses to earn a minimum of 120 credits required for graduation.
What is a First Year Foundation course?
The First Year Foundations Courses (FYF) are courses especially designed to integrate new students into the university community, provide a bonding experience with peers and with faculty, inspire a sense of connection to the University and its many support systems, and lay a foundation for the four-year Wilkes Undergraduate Experience. Courses in the FYF program are open to all students regardless of major and are not intended to be connected to any specific degree program. FYF Faculty members teach topics of deep personal interest and are excited about these courses. All students will take a FYF in the first semester. Three of the First Year Foundation courses for the fall 2006 semester are offered as part of a Learning Community.
What is a Learning Community?
Learning Communities are pairs of courses with a common theme that are connected by coursework and share a common set of students. This fall, three of the First-year Foundation courses are designed as learning communities. The faculty plan these courses with overlapping assignments, activities, and common readings. This allows students to more easily form study groups and integrate class material while making friends, getting to know the campus, and successfully beginning their undergraduate experience.
What is a general education or distribution requirement?
The Wilkes General Education Requirements reflect the strong belief in the value of all students studying the arts and sciences. These courses are intended to provide a solid foundation and include a broad spectrum of courses designed to stimulate the student’s intellectual, personal, and social development. In addition to providing a well-rounded liberal arts foundation, these courses provide students with essential skills (critical thinking, written and verbal communication, and quantitative skills) that will support success in any profession. “Distribution Requirement” refers to a specific part of the general education requirements.
What do I do if I don’t know my major?
If you are uncertain of your major you can be an undeclared major. Undeclared students benefit from personalized assistance from a specially trained advisor who will support you in making important decisions about your future. We encourage undeclared student to explore a variety of areas of interest prior to selecting a major. Students do not need to officially select a major until the junior year.
What happens if I decide I don’t like the major I originally chose?
It is not unusual for a student to realize that they were mistaken in their expectation of any given major or career path. Students may, at any time, choose to become undeclared and be assigned an advisor who will guide them to make a more appropriate and rewarding choice. A student should never leave or change their major without first consulting an advisor at the university.
What is “undeclared sciences”?
Students who are not sure of what career path to take, but have a definite interest in the sciences should consider this option. A student who is on the undeclared science path could decide if Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Engineering, or one of the health professions is in their future. Students will have plenty of guidance along the way, no matter what they decide on. Students, with the help of an undeclared advisor or a major advisor, could choose courses along one or several paths which would help them to decide.
Major paths to follow in “undeclared science” include:
Biology (optional marine science minor)
Biochemistry
Chemistry
Earth and Environmental Science (w/ or w/o marine science)
Engineering (Electrical, mechanical)
Applied Engineering
Engineering Management
Computer Information Systems
Computer Science
Math
Where can I get more information about the programs, majors, and courses at Wilkes?
This website brings together a great deal of information about the Wilkes curriculum. Explore the general education or majors pages. The Undergraduate Bulletin contains all of this information, including course descriptions.
What is a prerequisite?
A prerequisite is a course or knowledge required prior to taking another course. For example, passing chemistry 115 is required (a prerequisite) before being enrolled in chemistry 116.
Who is my advisor and what will he/she do?
Your advisor is a faculty memeber who is assigned based upon your intended major interests prior to you arriving on campus. He/she will guide you during your transition from high school to college, be there to answer questions on course selection, career plans, or other problems that may arise. If a student has chosen to be undeclared, an advisor with special expertise in these fields will be assigned until the time that the student decides specifically on a major.