What should I do about the courses for my major?
What if I am undecided about a major?
Should I still answer the area studies questions on the form that are in the same area as my intended major? (Ex. Science area for science majors, history area for history majors?)
What if I don’t have the scores from all the AP or IB exams I took this year?
What if I want to take math and/or foreign language the second semester instead of the first semester?
Math is not my best subject. What math classes would you recommend?
I am an Honors student. What should I do about the Honors classes?
I am an athlete. What should I do about my practices and game schedule?
What about the optional courses at the bottom of the form?
When will I receive my schedule?
Will I be able to discuss my schedule with an advisor?
How will I set up my schedule for the second semester (Spring 2009)?
Q: What should I do about the courses for my major?
A: You need not worry about selecting the courses for your major when completing the course preference form. Your major courses are already pre-determined based on the requirements of the major. Simply indicate your intended major on the form and the Student Advisement Office will place you in the appropriate introductory course(s) for your major.
Q: What if I am undecided about a major?
A: If you are undecided about a major, rest assured that you are not alone! You may put in the word “undecided” for the question about your intended major on the form. If you do have some particular interests that you would like to explore, you may indicate those in the box next to that question on the form.
Please note: If you are an undecided student with an interest in business and you plan to participate in the Business Exploration Program, be sure to indicate BUS 100 at the bottom of the form under optional courses.
Q: Should I still answer the area studies questions on the form that are in the same area as my intended major? (Ex. Science area for science majors, history area for history majors?)
A: It is best to go ahead and choose three courses from all of the area studies groupings.
If a particular area will not pertain to you as a result of your intended major or your participation in a specialized program, such as Honors, they will take this into consideration in planning your schedule.
Q: What if I don’t have the scores from all the AP or IB exams I took this year?
A: List all of the AP or IB courses* for which you took an AP or IB exam. If you have not received the score for an exam, simply leave the score box blank. You may provide an estimated score if you have unofficial results indicating a score.
* List only higher level IB exams on the form UNLESS you will be receiving an IB diploma. If you will receive an IB diploma, you may also indicate standard level exams on the form.
Q: What if I want to take math and/or foreign language the second semester instead of the first semester?
A: We strongly encourage most students to take math and foreign language in the first semester before they start to forget material learned in high school. Depending on your major, you may be required to take math in the first semester as well. If you wish to take math in the second semester instead of the first semester, please send an e-mail to Nicole Tagliarino at tagliarn@canisius.edu and she will let you know if it is possible.
All students must complete a foreign language requirement and can only begin the study of a foreign language in the fall semester each year. If you do not begin your language in fall 2008 you will need to wait until fall 2009 to begin study. Students who wish to continue studying the language they took in high school will be placed in foreign language in their first semester. Students who wish to begin a new language may wait until next year to begin their study.
Q: Math is not my best subject. What math classes would you recommend?
A: Finite Math and Introduction to Computer Science are excellent choices.
Q: I am an Honors student. What should I do about the Honors classes?
A: If you are an Honors student, all you need do is check the box for “Accepted” next to College Honors Program on the form. The Student Advisement Office will take this into consideration and place you in the appropriate introductory level Honors courses for your first semester.
Q: I am an athlete. What should I do about my practices and game schedule?
A: If you are a student-athlete on one of Canisius’ Division I teams, all you need do is check the box for “Accepted” next to Division I Athlete Recruit on the form. The Student Advisement Office will take this into consideration in planning your schedule. It is not necessary to contact your coach to find out specific information about practice and game times.
Q: What about the optional courses at the bottom of the form?
A: You should only select courses from the optional section if you would like to participate in one of those special programs. For more information about these optional courses, you may view the course descriptions here (.pdf).
Q: When will I receive my schedule?
A: You will receive your first semester schedule in the mail prior to your orientation session.
Q: Will I be able to discuss my schedule with an advisor?
A: You may discuss your schedule at any time with the Student Advisement Office by calling 716-888-2148. You may also stop in their office during orientation to discuss your schedule in person. Their office is located in Bagen Hall Room 103. If you would like to send a question by e-mail, you may contact Nicole Tagliarino at tagliarn@canisius.edu
Q: How will I set up my schedule for the second semester (Spring 2009)?
A: You will receive your academic advisor’s information in August prior to the start of the fall semester and will meet with this person in November to help you select courses for the spring 2009 semester.