Frequently Asked Questions


Over the years, University Studies students have generated quite a few questions. The job of Academic Advisors is to provide accurate answers. Of course, many of the questions are recurrent, so in an effort to save everyone some time and to get the information to you as quickly and easily as possible, the professional advisors within University Studies have compiled the following list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s). If your question is not included here, feel free to email us at ust-advise@udel.edu.

ADVISING QUESTIONS

CURRICULUM QUESTIONS

MAJOR EXPLORATION QUESTIONS

REGISTRATION QUESTIONS

Who is my advisor?

You can check on UDSIS to learn about your assigned advisor. All UST (University Studies) students are assigned a professional advisor in University Studies.

Back to top

Can I switch advisors?

In most cases, you can. UST students can email their request to Karen Seymour at kseymour@udel.edu or you can also stop in at 150 S. College Ave. to make your request.

Back to top

When should I see my advisor?

You should check in with your advisor:

• Whenever you are concerned about how you are doing.

• Whenever you are considering changing your schedule (drop/add) or before the 8-week deadline (to drop a class, switch to P/F etc.).

• Before choosing classes for the next semester.

• If you have questions about degree/major requirements.

• If there are extenuating circumstances that are beyond your control, such as illness or family problems, and you want to know your academic options.

Back to top

How do I make an appointment to meet with my advisor?

To sign up for an advising appointment, please follow the instructions below:

Login to BHSC Platform –
www.udel.edu/bluehensuccess – SUCCESS Login

From the home page, click Get Advising.
Click through the Schedule Advising Appointment workflow:

□ Reason – select Academic Advising; select reason (e.g. Pre-Registration Advising); click Next
□ Location – select University Studies Advisement Office
□ Advisor – select advisor; your assigned advisor will be indicated as (Your Advisor )
□ Time – select time – click into blue availability blocks to select the desired appointment time

Review appointment details and confirm. You will receive an email confirmation once you’ve successfully scheduled the appointment.

Remember to bring your UDID card with you to your appointment! You’ll need it to check in at the front desk.

Note: If you are a non-UST student who is considering a change of major and would like to meet with a UST advisor, please feel free to visit the office during any of the aforementioned walk-in hours.

Drop-in hours are posted here. 

Back to top

How do I make sure I will be able to graduate in a timely fashion?

You need to be aware of requirements to ensure that you are making adequate progress. Some ways to keep on top of things:

  • Meet with your advisor every semester.
  • Know when you need help, and be sure to speak up to get the help you need.
  • Read your major’s requirements in the Undergraduate Catalog and always read course descriptions of any class you plan to take.
  • Be sure that you are reading the requirements under the catalog year that you entered the University. You can adjust the year by using the drop-down menu on the online catalog.
  • Use the what-if report function in UDSIS to see requirements for majors you are considering.
  • Utilize the degree audit in UDSIS once you have declared a major.

Back to top

What is my UD Student I.D. number?

To protect your privacy, UD issues each student an I.D. number, typically 9 digits (e.g., 70x-xxx-xxx). You need to memorize it and include it in all of your UD correspondence and transactions, including e-mail to faculty and University staff. Your I.D. number is listed in UDSIS.

Back to top

CURRICULUM QUESTIONS

What courses do I have to take?

All University of Delaware students, regardless of major, must take:

– ENGL 110: Critical Reading and Writing, a freshman composition class, during either 1st or 2nd semester, unless you have approved equivalent transfer credit.

– One First Year Experience (FYE) course. The course and credit will vary by major.

– One 3-credit multicultural course, which may be taken any time before you graduate.

– One Discovery Learning Experience (DLE) of at least three credits.

– 12 credits of University breadth (group) requirements (a.k.a., general education), which may be taken any time before you graduate.

– Additional breadth (group) requirements (a.k.a., general education) and skills classes: specific requirements that will depend on your major.

– Enough successful credits (“C-“ or above) in your major and degree to graduate. This number can vary but will total at least 124 for students in majors in the College of Arts & Sciences. In other colleges at UD, the required total varies from 120 credits to 130 or more. Double degrees and double majors may require more credits.

Back to top

What is First Year Experience (FYE)?

The FYE Program is designed to get you off to a good start and to help you succeed at UD. FYE also allows you to meet other students in a small class setting, learn about resources at UD, and feel more at home on campus. All freshmen are required to participate in a First Year Seminar (FYS) as a part of the First Year Experience program. You can find information about the FYS by clicking here.

Back to top

Can I drop (withdraw from) my FYS?

No. This is a requirement for all incoming freshmen. If you have questions, contact Meghan Biery at 831-3330 or mbiery@udel.edu.

Back to top

What is discovery learning?

Examples are approved Internships, Service Learning, Undergraduate Research, Independent Study, and Study Abroad. Note the word “approved”: it’s very important that you verify your DLE choice with your advisor.

Back to top

Do I have to take math?

Almost all majors require a minimum of at least one math course. The exact course(s) you need to take will depend on your major and your UD math placement test score. You should discuss the appropriate course(s) with your academic advisor in addition to consulting the online Undergraduate Catalog. More information about math placement scores and the math placement exam can be found on the Math Department website.

Back to top

Do I have to take foreign language?

Most majors in the College of Arts & Sciences require that you successfully complete the intermediate level of a foreign language. Other majors may also require some foreign language. Check the requirements for your degree program in the online Undergraduate Catalog. Remember: most employers prefer to hire graduates with foreign language skills. Having a foreign language listed on your resume can make the difference when you’re looking for a job after graduation.

Back to top

I’m not sure about my major—can I take courses in a major that I am considering?

Usually, but there are times when certain courses are reserved for “majors only.” This means that if you are not currently declared in that major, you cannot register for that class. Consult with your advisor for help in choosing appropriate courses.

Back to top

What grades do I have to get?

What grade you need depends on the requirement you are fulfilling. For instance, a grade of “C-“or better is necessary for courses required by a major or minor. A grade of “C-“ or better is also required for ENGL 110 (taken in the freshman year) and the 12 credits of University breadth requirements. Depending on the College, a grade of “C-“ or better may also be required in College breadth requirements. Elective courses only require a D- or better. However, it is important to remember that you must earn a 2.0 cumulative G.P.A., equivalent to a “C” average, in order to remain in good academic standing. If your G.P.A falls below a 2.0 or C average, you will be placed on academic probation or dismissed.

Back to top

May I take classes at another college or university near my home?

Most often, yes. UD accepts transfer credit from all regionally accredited institutions, including most community colleges. Just be sure to contact the Registrar’s Office – Transfer Credit in the Visitors Center (210 S. College Ave.) before you take a class at another institution. It’s your responsibility to know how (and if!) the course will transfer to UD. For a list of courses that have already been approved to transfer from other institutions, consult the Transfer Credit Matrix. Transfer credit may be a good way to fulfill basic general education and skills requirements. Be careful when trying to fulfill upper-level major requirements with transfer work. Talk to your advisor. You must receive a “C” or better for the course to transfer in.

Back to top

How does the grade I earn at another college or university affect my GPA.?

The grades will be listed on your transcript, but are not factored into your GPA. Therefore, they will have no affect on your overall GPA.

Back to top 

MAJOR EXPLORATION QUESTIONS

I’m not sure about my major—can I take courses in a major that I am considering?

Usually, but there are times when certain courses are reserved for “majors only.” That means if you are not currently declared in that major, you cannot register for that class. Consult with your advisor for help in choosing appropriate courses.

Back to top

When should I declare my major?

As soon as you know the right one and are eligible to apply! When you have a firm idea of the major you want to move into, you should start the process of declaring. One advantage is that you will be eligible for classes designated “majors only.”  Students are expected to declare a major prior to earning 60 credits to ensure they stay on track toward graduation.

Back to top

Can I declare any major I want to?

That depends on you and your eligibility for the desired major. Talk to your academic advisor. Also check department websites. Each major has protocols, requirements and in some cases limitations that will affect your chances of being accepted into your desired major. The trick is advance planning and good information: both available through consultation with your academic advisor.

Back to top

Can I switch into UST?

Students with 60 credits or fewer may switch into UST at any time. Simply fill out the Change Major, Minor, Concentration webform on UDSIS. Choose US-University Studies as your major and select the “interest area” designation that best fits your academic intentions.

Back to top

Where can I find a list of majors?

You can find a list of majors by using the Major Finder.

Back to top

I have a major, but I want to change. When should I apply to my desired major, and can I switch to any major I want?

See the answers to “When should I declare my major?” and “Can I declare any major I want to?” .

Back to top

What’s a restricted major?

Some majors have a special application process. This may be because there are a limited number of seats, or because they only accept students at certain times of the year, or because they have competitive entry requirements. In the case of majors with competitive entry, your grades at the University of Delaware are usually the most important criterion for acceptance. A packet of glowing letters of recommendation will not make up for poor grades. It is important to do well from the start of your university career. For the list of restricted majors and their requirements for admissions, click here.

Back to top 

REGISTRATION QUESTIONS

When do I register?

Your registration time will be listed in UDSIS under Enrollment Dates.

Back to top

How do I register?

Please consult the registration instructions for information on how to register.

Back to top

How many credits should I take each semester?

That depends on you individual academic plan. In order to complete your degree in four years, without taking courses in Winter or Summer Sessions, you will need to take 15-16 credits each regular semester. If you do decide to take courses in Winter Session or Summer Session, or transfer courses from another institution (important: contact the Registrar’s Office – Transfer Credit before doing so), it could lighten your courseload in fall and spring semesters. It is recommended that you consult with an Academic Advisor before selecting winter and summer classes.

Back to top

How do I know which courses to take?

You should consult with your advisor before registering for courses. UST offers a six-week pre-registration advising period so that all UST students can meet with their advisors one-on-one to select appropriate courses.

Back to top

Where can I find a list of courses that are being offered next semester?

Courses are listed on the Courses Search page and in UDSIS.

Back to top

What do the section numbers mean?

Section numbers designate the times and days for classes. Section numbers are also related to campus locations, special programs, independent studies, etc. For more information on section numbers, click here.

Back to top

Do you have any tips about registration?

Here are some basic tips that will help you begin to select courses for next semester.

Back to top

How do I get into a class I need if it is full or restricted?

You may use the Course Permit form to request permission to add a course that you cannot register for through Web Registration. The form is ONLY available to students from the first day of the semester through the last day for changing registration or withdrawing from courses without academic penalty. Log into UDSIS. Click on Course Permit (drop/ad) under Webforms.  That will take you to a secure log-in page. Once you log in, use the drop-down menus to choose Term (current semester) and Action (add a course). Then click NEXT. You receive an email when the form has been processed. If the request is denied, the email will state that the form has been CANCELLED and will contain a link to view comments. If the request is approved, the email will be a COPY, with a link to the completed request. If you have not received a response within two business days, you should follow up with the department offering the course. The form is stored in your Web Forms Archive.

Back to top

Where do I buy books?

You can buy your books at the UD Barnes and Noble on Main Street or at any of the bookstores in downtown Newark. You can also pre-order your books online from the UD Bookstore, and they can either ship them directly to you or can box them for you to pick up. The online ordering process lets you choose used books if you prefer, which can cut down on your costs.

Back to top

How will I know which books I will need?

If you order your books online through the UD Bookstore, the ordering system will indicate required books for your course and section. If you want to buy your books in person, take a copy of your schedule with you to the Bookstore and the staff will help you get the books you need for each course. The correct books will also be noted on the syllabus for each course, and/or on the website for each course. Note that some books are required. You definitely need to purchase those. Other books are recommended. It is up to you whether you will choose to buy those titles. Do not forget that you can often buy used books to save money.

Back to top