Academic Advising

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is my academic advisor?
You are not assigned a specific academic advisor.  You have the option to see any advisor you prefer.

Who is my faculty advisor?

• Prior to your Junior year, you will be assigned a faculty advisor based on your major. 
• See Banner Web instructions on how to find your faculty advisor. 
• Undeclared students do not have a faculty advisor, and will continue to meet with an Academic Advisor in the Student Success Center.

What is required to graduate?
     - General Education courses or IGETC/CSU certification + P.E. Activity Courses and Theology Requirements
     - Courses for your major(s)
     - 39 Upper division units (300-400 level courses)
     - Total of 128 units
     - Cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 overall and in major (some majors have specific GPA requirements)
*Always refer to the CUI catalog for the complete list of requirements.

What requirements do I need to complete if I have my IGETC/CSU certification (for transfer students)?
     - 2 ESS physical activity courses (0.5 units each)
     - Minimum of 2 Theology courses (if at CUI for more than 4 semesters, a third Theology course is required)
     - 39 Upper division units (27 completed at CUI)
     - Total of 128 units
*Always refer to the CUI catalog for the complete list of requirements.

What is student status or classification?
     - Freshman status: 0-29 completed units
     - Sophomore status: 30-59 completed units
     - Junior status: 60-89 completed units
     - Senior status: 90 or more completed units

How many units should I take?
     - 16 units each semester X 8 semesters (4 years) = 128 units
     - Depending on your major/minor/program, you may be required to take more than 16 units per semester.

When can I enroll in my classes?
Students begin enrolling in classes for the next semester about a month before the end of their current semester.  View the academic calendar for specific pre-registration dates.  At your advising appointment, the advisor will notify you of your priority date.  Students can enroll in their classes based on their class status.  Seniors enroll on the first day; juniors follow on the next day, and so forth.  Please check Banner Web for your student status.

What do I do if I have a HOLD?
HOLDS usually refer to:
     - Outstanding payments (Student Accounts)
     - Your official high school transcript was not received (Registrar's Office)
     - Outstanding health forms (Wellness Center)
HOLDS are posted on Banner Web so it is strongly encouraged that you check Banner Web before you pre-enroll in your classes.  Visit the office of your HOLD and take care of it immediately.  HOLDS will prevent you from pre-enrolling in your classes.

How many units do I need to take to be a full-time student?
Full-time students take 12-18 units.  If you drop to part-time status (less than 12 units), you are required to meet with the Financial Aid and Student Accounts offices.  A "Drop to Part-time Status" form will need to be completed.

What is an "Overload"?
Overload occurs if you take more than 18 units during a semester.  To qualify for an overload, an "Application for Overload" needs to be completed and you must meet the 3.0 GPA requirement.  Additional fees may apply.  Certain courses are exempt from the fee requirement (please ask an academic advisor or the Registrar's Office for specific classes).

What are electives?
Electives are courses that do not pertain to your major or to General Education courses but help you reach the 128 units to graduate successfully and/or to complete your 39 upper-division units requirement.

How do I choose electives?
You are the only person who can choose classes for you.
     - Ask yourself:
          * Which courses will help me achieve my academic/career goals?
          * What classes will help me prepare for my career and/or graduate school?
          * Which courses do I find interesting?
          * Who are my favorite instructors?
     - Don't ask advisors what classes are easy.  We'll ask you, "What's easy for you?"
     - Check prerequisites

Can I take courses at another institution while I'm attending CUI?
You do have the option of taking courses elsewhere.  The Registrar's Office accepts a total of 21 units each semester.

What is a "W"?
If you drop a course after the last day to drop without record of enrollment, you will receive a "W" on your transcript.  A "W" refers to Withdrawal and it does not affect your GPA.  Refer to the Academic Calendar for "Drop" dates.

What is a "WF"?
"WF" refers to Withdrawal Fail and it does not affect your GPA.  It reflects the time of your withdrawal from the class.  If you plan on furthering your education, it is encouraged to not make a habit of withdrawing from classes as it is listed on your academic transcript.  Refer to the Academic Calendar for "Drop" dates.

How do I make changes to my major or minor?
Please inform an Academic Advisor if you decide to change your major, minor, and/or program.   You will need to complete and submit a "Change of Major" form to the Advising Office.

Who can I talk to if I want to study abroad?
The Director of Career Services is available to share with you a variety of study abroad opportunities.  Academic Advisors are also available to explain the procedures/requirements to study abroad.  A CUI application with approved signatures is required in addition to meeting the GPA criteria.  It is encouraged for students to apply the semester before they wish to go abroad.

How often do I receive my grad plan?
After your first semester at CUI, the academic advisors create a grad plan for you reflecting your major/minor/program and any incoming units.  An updated grad plan will be emailed to you via your CUI email address every semester.  Your grad plan serves only as a tool for you.  You are strongly encouraged to look over your grad plan as YOU are responsible for completing all graduation requirements.

What is Academic Probation?
If your GPA is lower than a 2.0, you are placed on Academic Probation.  Your units for the next semester are limited to 12 so that you can improve your performance.  If you achieve a semester GPA higher than a 2.0, your Academic Probation will be removed.  Students who are on Academic Probation for two semesters and whose cumulative GPA is less than a 2.0 will be academically dismissed.

What courses do I have to take my first semester?
As a freshman (entering with less than 24 units), you are required to take Int 100: Freshman Seminar.  Freshmen usually focus on completing General Education courses during their first year.  Transfer students have the option to take a mixture of courses from their major/minor/program and from CUI's General Education courses.

What do I do if the class I want is closed?
     - Look for different sections of the same course
     - Choose other General Ed/major courses
     - Check Banner Web to see if an opening in the class becomes available
     - Attempt to add the class by attending the first session and asking the professor (an Add/Drop form is required with the instructor's signature)

What is a prerequisite?
A prerequisite is a requirement or a course which must be met or satisfied before taking a particular course.  Prerequisites are listed in the course descriptions in the back of the catalog.

If I want to take a summer school course, how do I know if it will transfer over?
If you wish to take a course to meet a General Education requirement, please meet with an academic advisor to verify the course will transfer.  Department Chairs approve courses taken for your major or minor.  Department Chair approval, using the substitution form, is required for courses in the major, minor, or program.

What is a substitution form?
Substitution forms are used when students wish to use a course they transferred in towards fulfilling a major or minor requirement.  Substitution forms must be signed by the appropriate Division Chair and submitted to the Registrar's Office.