Semester survival: Upperclassmen offer advice to their confused counterparts
When starting a new semester, students need to keep in mind the functions that keep college life rolling.
Brandon Christensen, a sophomore majoring in business, recommends having fun and not getting too stressed about school.
“Don’t take school so seriously. Join some clubs, and go out and meet people,” he said.
Students can find a list of a wide variety of clubs on the Utah State University Web site.
Students can also participate in movies and events put on by the Associated Students of USU, and plays put on by the theater department. A list of activities is available on the third floor of the Taggart Student Center.
If students are interested in attending an Aggie Athletics event, they should get tickets early so they are guaranteed a seat. Tickets are free with student identification and are available on the second floor of the TSC.
Kim Frye, a junior majoring in liberal arts, said students should find an equal balance between having fun and doing well in school.
Frye suggests not sitting by the window at the Science and Technology Library because, “I just stare out the windows and watch people and don’t get much homework done.”
Frye also suggests “buying textbooks early and buying them used.”
The Bookstore was remodeled during the summer so students can buy books and supplies more quickly.
Book returns need to be done by Jan. 17 for a full refund and by Feb. 1 for a 50-percent refund.
Registering for classes is another story.
There are three methods for registering: the QUAD, touch-tone phone at 797-8888, or in person at TSC, Room 346.
“Use the phone method,” Frye said. “You’ll know right away if you can get into the class.”
The last day to add classes is Jan. 27. In order to add some classes, students must get the instructor’s signature. Fees for added classes are due the day the class is added.
The last day to drop a class is April 1, unless the student wants a W on his transcript, which makes the last day to drop a class March 17.
Emily Forrey, a freshman majoring in interior design, said, “I thought school was going to be so much harder and the professors would be a lot meaner.”
Students can find out who their advisers are by contacting the departments of their majors.
Graduating students should begin the application process no later than six weeks prior to the application deadline. The application deadline for spring graduation has already passed. Students planning on graduating in the summer or fall should apply by Feb. 18.
There is a $10 late fee for all applications turned in after the deadline.
To make payments, students can pay by the QUAD, touch-tone phone at 797-8888, mail, or the Cashiers Office on the second floor of the TSC.
If the university receives payment after the deadline, courses previously scheduled will be dropped, and a $20 late fee will be assessed.
Students may repeat courses up to 10 times, after which a dean must approve additional registration.
During final examination week, students who have three or more exams in one day and who desire to have one of the exams moved to another day can do so.
For more information on academic policies, graduation requirements, billing questions and activities, students can read the USU General Catalog.
–lindseyp@cc.usu.edu