As you return to campus, take a few minutes to take charge of your course schedule. Now is the time to get in your new groove, anticipate potential issues, and adjust as necessary.
Check out these three-pointers from your academic advisors in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
- Map out your semester
Before you dig into your classes, zoom out and plan. Review your syllabi and create a combined calendar noting when things are due for each class. This will help you anticipate your workload at different times of the semester. Consider how all your classes will fit together and let your advisor know if you have any concerns.
- Take inventory of your academic resources
Visit the Tutor Iowa website to find academic support resources including tutoring, supplemental instruction, and study worksheets. You can find a full comprehensive list of subject-specific help centers there as well. If you are eligible for additional academic support or have accommodations, now is the time to make these arrangements.
- Considering a course change?
The beginning of the semester is the easiest time to alter your schedule. Take these things into consideration, but act quickly:
- Dropping a course?
If you have questions about the course, contact your instructor, if you want to discuss how this will impact your academic plans and graduation timeline, contact your advisor, and if you want to know how your aid may be impacted, contact financial aid. If you will be replacing a course, it is best to verify that you can add the new one before dropping the old one. - Adding a course?
Consider how much material you have missed and whether you will be impacted by the course attendance policy. It can be difficult to add after the first week because it requires multiple approvals. Be sure to contact your instructor and plan to catch up. - How do I drop or add a course?
- Week 1 (through Sept. 2, 2024): Drop or add a semester-length course through the MyUI portal.
- Week 2 (through Sept. 9, 2024): Initiate the process on MyUI, but changes require additional permissions. For drops, you will need your primary advisor’s permission. For adds, you will need to email and receive permission from the instructor/department and primary advisor. Finalize your registration change on MyUI after all permissions are granted (within 24 hours when adding a course).
- After Sept. 9, 2024: You may still drop a semester-length course with a “W” until Nov. 18, 2024.
- Off-cycle: If your course does not meet for the full semester, it may have adjusted deadlines.
If you need help or have concerns, reach out to your advisor.