Picking out courses for next semester
Registering for a new semester can be overwhelming with all your options and decisions to make. You have help (from advisors, mentors, Degree Works, and more). You can also use our Advising Resources for Students Links to an external site. website (bookmark this page!) for a refresher on how to get ready for the next set of courses.
Academic Advising, the folks who help you pick out classes
We have several kinds of advisors depending on your major and your situation:
What is an advisor?
Academic advisors
The first type is an Academic Advisor assigned to your major, program, minor, and certificates. This person is from your college and here to discuss the courses you need to take.
You should ask questions about which classes apply to your major, minor, or program and what order to take these courses. Often, students attend academic advising 1-2 times per semester as they prepare for registration or graduation.
If you notice something weird in your Degree Works about a class, ask your Academic Advisor to help you.
Probation/review advising
For Probation and Review Advising, you meet with the success support in your college: this might be your academic advisor or a new success coach. At this meeting you will chat about why your GPA is lower than 2.0 and what might help you raise it. You might also talk about Grade Replacement options or alternate course schedules to help you get back to Good Standing.
Ready, set, register for the next semester
Your assigned advisor will try to contact you for an advising meeting when course schedules are released. This is usually halfway through the semester. Check your BearMail every day and follow any instructions they send to schedule your registration and advising session.
Start with the Office of the Registrar's Ready, Set, Register Links to an external site. steps each semester. Take time to clear any Holds, look at Degree Works, write down questions, and identify a few courses to discuss with your advisor for your academic plan. Then, when you meet with your advisor ask them those questions and take notes on what courses or steps they recommend.
Take action by the deadlines
Every semester (including summer and interim sessions), you have 3 deadlines to add to your calendars. You can appeal if you miss a deadline because *life* got in the way. You will need to write a letter explaining what was happening that kept you from hitting those deadlines.
You can visit the Registration Appeals
Links to an external site. website to learn about the appeals or visit the Class Add, Drop, Withdrawal and Audit
Links to an external site. website. You can also check out these tabs for more details on each of the three deadlines.
Overview of deadlines
The add deadline
The add deadline is the date you can register for courses through Ursa without additional paperwork and approvals. The add deadline is usually at the end of the first week of the semester, so you get a chance to meet your professors, classmates, and feel the schedule. If you add courses, check Degree Works and with your advisor to make sure it is in your academic plan. If you miss the add deadline, you will need the professor's permission to add the course with signatures and extra paperwork.
The drop deadline
The drop deadline is the date you can remove yourself from a course through Ursa, and it won't appear on your transcript or charge you tuition. The drop deadline is usually after the second week of the semester, so you can really see how your schedule works. If you drop a class, you need to check with Financial Aid to make sure you still have enough credits (typically you need 12 for full funding and scholarships). Dropping a class might be a problem in your graduation plan if it is a 'pre-req' or a course you need before other, more advanced courses. Check with your advisor and Degree Works before dropping courses! If you miss the drop deadline, you will be charged tuition and considered enrolled in the course.
The withdraw deadline
The withdraw deadline is when you can exit a course without a grade (you will see a "W" on your transcript). The withdraw deadline is usually near the end of the semester because this is when life gets in the way of you finishing the course. If you withdraw from a course, you need to check with Financial Aid to make sure you still have enough credits (typically you need 12 for full funding and scholarships). Withdrawing from a course might be a problem in your graduation plan if it is a 'pre-req' or a course you need before other, more advanced courses. Check with your advisor and Degree Works before withdrawing from courses! If you miss the withdraw deadline, you will receive a grade in the course.
Bonus materials
Check out these additional resources and ways to apply this content to your life:
Additional resources
The Office of the Registrar Links to an external site. is in charge of all academic records. They aren't experts on your major (that's your advisor), but they are experts on registration errors, holds, transcripts, graduation questions, VA Benefits, and course policy.
- If you are trying to add or drop a course and run into a problem, or if you want to withdraw completely from the UNC (exit all your courses), you should talk to the Registrar.
The Undergraduate Digital Catalog Links to an external site. is a "book" published every year with updated course descriptions, program options, and policy changes. You can search in the catalog for LAC options, your major, minor, and all things registration related.
Challenge
Try opening Ursa Links to an external site. and clicking on the "View Student Information" or look for your advisors name in Degree Works to figure out who has been assigned to help you.
Emailing or calling an office can be a little scary. Try using this template to get started:
Hi (ADVISOR NAME),
I'm in the (MAJOR) and saw your name listed on my Degree Works. I have a question about (WHAT IS YOUR QUESTION) and am ready to talk about next semester's courses. What is the best way to schedule an appointment with you?
Thank you and I look forward to meeting.
(YOUR NAME)